Norfolk Victim Advocate Marlene Bright Wins State Hero Award

Marlene Bright, a victim-witness advocate with the Norfolk Commonwealth's Attorney's Office, received the Virginia Office of the Attorney General's Unsung Hero award on April 23.

The Norfolk Police Department nominated Bright for her work with crime victims. She has served the Commonwealth's Attorney's Office for nearly 30 years, starting as a legal secretary in 1997, advancing to paralegal, and later moving into victim advocacy. She now serves as both a victim-witness advocate and Community Outreach Coordinator for the office and the Norfolk Family Justice Center.

Bright guides victims through the criminal justice system, explains their rights, and connects youth, women, and elders to resources on abuse prevention. She represents the office at community events, from senior centers to schools, and maintains partnerships with law enforcement agencies, nonprofits, and grassroots organizations.

Commonwealth's Attorney Ramin Fatehi said Bright has devoted her career to helping crime victims. "The twelve advocates in the Norfolk Commonwealth's Attorney's Office represent one of the largest Victim-Witness Assistance Programs in Virginia, and Marlene is a role model, mentor, and guide to them in their work," Fatehi said.

Outside her office role, Bright serves on the board of Hampton Roads Haven, works with the Union Baptist Church Women's Ministry, and mentors women in entrepreneurial leadership.