Helga West

Helga is one of the program managers of NCTIC focused on education and outreach. She is also the co-founder, President and Chief Executive Officer of Witness Justice, a national nonprofit organization providing assistance, support, and advocacy to survivors of violence and trauma. As a victim of a brutal attempted murder in 1993, she has first-hand knowledge of why trauma-informed programs and services are vital to survivors of violence. She sustained debilitating physical injuries and experienced disconnection, spiritual struggles, and physiological changes due to the trauma she experienced.

Helga holds an M.A. in international business from the University of Maryland and a B.S. in marketing from American University. She is also a certified private investigator and has earned certification in women's self defense.

West is an impassioned activist who often speaks with the news media and at conferences. Her story and message were heard on national programs, including Larry King Live, Good Morning America, Forensic Files, and Discovery Health.

Helga West’s expert areas include: victim rights; the healing process; the impact of trauma; the criminal justice system; tips for families, friends, and employers of survivors; struggles often encountered in healing and seeking justice; the need to advocate, educate, and fund broad change within systems of care to de-stigmatize victimization and trauma and make healing more realistic and accessible; and the importance of trauma-informed care.

Contact Helga West at 301-898-1009 or hwest@witnessjustice.org.