Gráinne Malone

Intern Spotlight

Gráinne Malone is an undergraduate student at Notre Dame University and is currently serving as a summer intern for summer 2024. 

Why did you first get interested in working with NCVLI and/or victims’ rights?

I first heard about NCVLI from the professor of my Human Trafficking class this past spring semester. I looked up their work and I knew I wanted to meet the people working at NCVLI and be part of their work. 

What 1 thing has surprised you or have you learned about victims’ rights since you started to learn more?

I have learned that there is national variance in victims’ rights, different states have different rulings. I am invested in learning more about these disparities and working towards universal victims’ rights laws that protect and honor victims of crime.

What motivates you to work in a field that serves victims of crime?

Oh, there is so much to do with your one wild and precious life. My view of living my life to the fullest is choosing consistent dedication to making our world a better place, for all of us in it right now and for the generations to come. There is so much hurt and abuse of human dignity. I am committed to human rights work because I see the hurt and I want to be part of its abolition and healing.

What are your hobbies?        

I find calmness in the outdoors, hiking and camping. I always have a book on the go. I enjoy drawing and I have inherited the travel bug from my parents who have made memories and friends in many places. 

If you had a chance to talk to the U.S. Supreme Court, the President, Congress, a foreign leader, or any other leader, what one thing would you tell them about victims’ rights?

I would say, “Now is always the best time to do what is right.” 

When someone asks you why victims’ rights are important, what do you tell them?

Fundamentally, being a human being entitles one to inalienable human rights that can never be taken away but can be abused and dishonored. Victims of crime are entitled to their human rights of protection, participation, information about the crime, services, restitution, compensation and more. Victims’ rights are an integral component of a fair and just world and legal system. By not upholding victims’ rights is to be ignorant of the human rights of another person. 

What would you most like NCVLI or the victims’ rights movement to accomplish in the next five years? Twenty years?

I would like to see more survivor support groups led by victims of crime. It would also be amazing to see more NCVLI team members in different states working on educating government officials, legal professionals, law enforcement, medical services and more about victims’ rights. 

If you could change one thing about the current victims’ rights environment, be it legal, political, public recognition, victim social/psychological services, etc., what would it be?

I would make sure every victim of a crime, in addition to having a victims’ rights lawyer, has a victim advocate to support them pre, during and post their legal proceedings. To have a solid person who understands the legal process, who can accompany you to court and connects you with services to move forward in your life helps to undercut any fear surrounding legal proceedings and uncertainty of what to do next. 

If you could celebrate one thing about the current victims’ rights environment, be it legal, political, public recognition, victim social/psychological services, etc., what would it be?

I celebrate the educators, lawyers, advocates, friends, family and more who are dedicated to changing things for the better in the victims’ rights environment by advocating for, supporting and honoring victims of crimes.    

Who or what inspires you?

I am driven by my dedication to make our world a better place for our children. To dream of a world of peace is not enough, we have to actively be the catalysts for the changes we wish to see. 

Why should someone else get involved with NCVLI and/or victims’ rights?

NCVLI is a nationwide organization that serves the entire United States. For great change we need to build communities of education that inspire people to share what they have learned and act upon it. Interning at NCVLI, I am surrounded by people who are fiercely dedicated to upholding human dignity. I have learned so much about victims’ rights that I will now not stop talking about and working on until there is no longer any uncertainty or question about the inalienability of victims’ rights.