Laura A. Ahearn

PLEASE NOTE THIS BOOK CAN BE PURCHASED DIRECTLY THROUGH THE CRIME VICTIM CENTER. THIS BOOK HAS BEEN UPDATED AND IS AVAILABLE THROUGH THE CRIME VICTIMS CENTER.

Ms. Ahearn is one of the country's most accomplished and respected crime victim and community advocates. She has fought for tens of thousands of victims for over 20 years in New York State criminal and family courts and has experience in the federal court system.

She is also the founder and executive director of the Crime Victims Center dba Parents for Megan's Law a not for profit oganization dedicated to victim's rights and crime prevention. In addition to her roles as Executive Director, Ms. Ahearn holds leadership roles such as the Chairwoman of the Suffolk County Family Violence Task Force Legal Systems Subcommittee and the Victims Services Representative of the Suffolk County Criminal Justice Coordinating Council. She was also the Victims Services Representative of the Suffolk County Hate Crimes Task Force.

Ms. Ahearn has assisted in the drafting of and supported local, state, and federal legislation aimed at strengthening laws to protect our most vulnerable and broaden crime victim's and community rights. She is heavily relied upon to provide accurate, factual and pertinent information to educate the community, government officials and the media. Ms. Ahearn has been instrumental in developing and coordinating training for law enforcement on topics including crime victim compensation and community based Megan's Law Programs.

Ms. Ahearn has received many awards including the prestigious Martin Schwartz Award for Excellence in Civil Rights for her work with victims, the New York State Senate Woman of Distinction Award, the New York State Outstanding Victims Advocate Award, the Leadership in Establishing and Maintaining Social Justice Award, Woman of the Year awards, Leadership in Community Education Award, Newsday Everyday Hero, multiple legislative and citation recognition awards and has been recognized by the U.S. Justice Department's Office of Victims of Crime and the U.S. Congress for her many accomplishments in strengthening local, state and federal policies and laws to protect our most vulnerable and to give victims a voice.

Ms. Ahearn holds an undergraduate degree in Business Administration, a Masters of Social Work (MSW) from SUNY Stony Brook she earned while on fellowship and a Juris Doctor (J.D.) from Touro Law where she graduated Magna Cum Laude and at the top of her class. Laura is an avid angler and is often seen fresh or salt-water fishing in Suffolk County.