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NCVC director receives award for supporting crime victims by Maggie Diebolt Public Relations With crime rates steadily rising throughout the nation, South Carolina ranks high in terms of reported cases of violent crime. Even more alarming than rising rates are the number of cases that remain unreported.   Dean Kilpatrick, Ph.D., has been influential in establishing crime victim resources in the Lowcountry and broadcasting information nationally and internationally. In recognition of his efforts, Kilpatrick was selected as the recipient of the Congressional Victim’s Rights Caucus 2007 Allied Profession Award. He was presented with the award during the Caucus’ second annual ceremony in Washington, D.C.   Originally interested in the issue of domestic and violent crime after attending a public meeting about rape in Charleston County, Kilpatrick was inspired to actively promote awareness of the matter. As one of the founders of People Against Rape (PAR), Inc., he helped establish PAR in 1974 and currently assists child and adult victims of sexual abuse in the Charleston, Dorchester and Berkeley counties.   Kilpatrick also was influential in launching the National Crime Victims Research and Treatment Center (NCVC) three years later at MUSC. Because little literature exists on the mental health effects of rape or victim statistics, NCVC has been a frontrunner in conducting research investigating the impact of criminal victimization and trauma on adults, children and their families. NCVC’s research seeks to identify effective therapeutic interventions for those suffering victimization-related emotional and behavioral problems.   Chosen for his leadership, creativity and commitment to linking allied professions in improving the plight of crime victims in the nation, Kilpatrick’s work as NCVC director helped to provide a greater understanding of the impact that crime has among its victims, and has changed the way victims are treated and perceived throughout the country.   “It’s heartbreaking, the things people do to other people, but it makes you feel good when you are able to do things to make it easier for victims and their families,” Kilpatrick said. “I was surprised to hear I had been selected, but I’m happy the NCVC is being recognized. We have some outstanding people here who have done good things on local, state and national levels. I’m receiving the award for work done here at the center; it’s not just for me.”   Kilpatrick obtained his doctorate of philosophy in clinical psychology from the University of Georgia and has served as either the co-director or director of the Charleston Consortium Clinical Psychology Internship Program since 1982. He serves on the PAR board of directors and the South Carolina Victim Assistance Network, and is chairman of the South Carolina Governor’s Office Crime Victims Advisory Board.   The Congressional Victim’s Rights Caucus was founded in 2005 by Rep. Ted Poe (R-Texas) and is co-chaired with Rep. Jim Costa (D-Calif.). The goal of the caucus is to advocate and provide a voice for victims of all types of crime, including law enforcement. This ceremony was the second annual presentation to honor those individuals who have made great achievements to protect the rights of victims and prevent future victimization.   NCVC is a division of the MUSC Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences. Since 1974, the faculty and staff of the NCVC have been dedicated to improving the quality of mental health services provided both locally and nationally to victims of crime, abuse and trauma.   For information on the center, visit http://colleges.musc.edu/ncvc/.     Friday, May 25, 2007 Catalyst Online is published weekly, updated as needed and improved from time to time by the MUSC Office of Public Relations for the faculty, employees and students of the Medical University of South Carolina. Catalyst Online editor, Kim Draughn, can be reached at 792-4107 or by email, catalyst@musc.edu. Editorial copy can be submitted to Catalyst Online and to The Catalyst in print by fax, 792-6723, or by email to catalyst@musc.edu. To place an ad in The Catalyst hardcopy, call Island Publications at 849-1778, ext. 201.