#USA #Harrisburg #Tyffani Monford #Melissa Webb #NSVRC

National Award Honors Two Pioneers in Sexual Violence Prevention

On August 13, 2025, the National Sexual Violence Resource Center (NSVRC), in collaboration with the Association for the Treatment and Prevention of Sexual Abuse (ATSA), announced the recipients of the prestigious 2025 Gail Burns-Smith Award. This year, the award is bestowed upon Dr. Tyffani Monford and Melissa Webb, LCSW, in recognition of their exceptional contributions to combating sexual abuse, assault, and harassment. The accolade honors advocates who bridge the support for survivors with effective treatment for those who perpetrate sexual harm.

Honoring Pioneers

The award is named after Gail Burns-Smith, an early advocate who understood the necessity of cooperation between victim advocates and professionals working with sex offenders, a perspective crucial for preventing child sexual abuse. Dr. Monford, who serves as the Director of Clinical Services at MetroHealth Behavioral Health Hospital, is also an Associate Professor at the Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine. Her extensive experience spans roles as a consultant and trainer focused on sexual violence within juvenile correctional systems and campus environments. She is particularly passionate about culturally-informed mental health services, offering insights on issues that intersect with social justice, human trafficking, and the unique experiences faced by Black women and girls.

Melissa Webb, LCSW, is a seasoned Licensed Clinical Social Worker and the founder of Red Rock Psychological Health in Nevada. Her focus is on treating individuals who have engaged in sexual offenses, utilizing evidence-based practices such as Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. Webb's innovative approach creates a welcoming clinic environment, essential for clients to overcome the barriers to seeking help. Her dedication to advocacy extends beyond her practice; she is heavily involved in community education, bridging connections between various state departments and child advocacy organizations, and providing training to enhance understanding of sexual abuse dynamics.

Bridging the Gap

Both awardees represent a vital aspect of addressing sexual violence, as Dr. Monford champions the needs of survivors while Webb diligently addresses the treatment and prevention of future offenses. Webb has previously worked with local Departments of Public Safety and Juvenile Justice, ensuring a collaborative approach to challenging the cycle of abuse. Her efforts in providing free training for law enforcement personnel emphasize the importance of advocacy for both survivors and perpetrators, highlighting the ongoing need for a multifaceted approach to sexual violence prevention.

Dr. Monford's significant contributions include authoring numerous works dedicated to mental wellness, intersectionality, and effective care for survivors within marginalized communities. Webb, praised for her ability to foster open dialogue across disciplines, demonstrates how comprehensive prevention strategies must simultaneously seek to rehabilitate those who cause harm. Furthermore, both women's involvement in their respective communities illustrates the importance of shared responsibility in creating safer environments.

Conclusion

In a world where sex crimes continue to be a pervasive issue, the efforts of advocates like Dr. Monford and Melissa Webb are crucial in fostering a safer and more supportive environment for all. Their work personifies the spirit of collaboration that the Gail Burns-Smith Award embodies, reminding us that true progress in sexual violence prevention encompasses both survivor support and perpetrator rehabilitation. As they accept the award at the National Sexual Assault Conference®, their commitment inspires a renewed focus on comprehensive solutions to a complex societal problem. With such champions of advocacy leading the way, there is hope for a future free from sexual violence, where survivors are supported and perpetrators are adequately treated, contributing to the overall safety and well-being of communities nationwide.