Judge Dunne helped establish STRENGTH Court to support trafficking survivors

PHOENIX (Dec. 6, 2024) – The Arizona Legal Women and Youth Services (ALWAYS) honored Judge Pamela Dunne with a Heart of Justice Leader of the Year Award for her pivotal role in creating STRENGTH Court and her dedication to supporting minor victims of sex trafficking. 

Judge Pamela Dunne along with Judge David Gass played a key role in the creation of STRENGTH Court (Succeed Through Resilience, Empower New Growth Through Hope), which was launched in 2018 at the Judicial Branch of Arizona in Maricopa County. 

This innovative program takes a victim-centered, therapeutic approach during court proceedings, prioritizing the well-being of youth survivors of sex trafficking. STRENGTH Court offers timely support by connecting young individuals with vital resources to aid in their recovery and long-term success. 

“It has been a profound honor and privilege to start STRENGTH Court with Judge Gass in August 2018, and to work with these victims on their healing journey all these years,” said Superior Court Judge Pamela Dunne. “We have helped minor victims of sex trafficking go from merely surviving to thriving. I am humbled and deeply appreciative of this award. I share it with the STRENGTH Court victims.”

The STRENGTH Court team consists of Juvenile Court judges, a specially trained STRENGTH Court juvenile probation officer, a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA of Maricopa County), the Arizona Department of Child Safety, the Attorney General’s Office, Reach for Resilience, survivor advocates and other stakeholders who collaborate to support trafficking survivors. 

“Judge Dunne has played a pivotal role in transforming the lives of young people who have endured unimaginable trauma,” said Juvenile Presiding Judge Lori Bustamante. “Her kindness, compassion, and guidance have left a positive and lasting impact on countless individuals, inspiring hope, and fostering resilience. Her influence will continue to be a driving force for our therapeutic court as it strives to reach and serve this vulnerable population of youth in the years to come.” 

Dunne served as a commissioner from 2005 to 2012. She was then appointed as a judge and has served on the Family and Juvenile departments. She is currently assigned to a Criminal Calendar. 

ALWAYS is a nonprofit community legal center that ensures justice for Arizona’s vulnerable youth. The center offers free legal services to at-risk children and young people as well as survivors of human trafficking.

tags: