The Domestic Violence Coordinating Council is pleased to recognize Jennifer Kutney-Soper of the Department of Justice, and Domestic Violence Intervention (Treatment) Providers at Child, Inc. and People’s Place II as the 2025 DVCC Outstanding Service Award recipients.

Jennifer Kutney-Soper

After graduating from college, Jennifer Kutney-Soper worked at various victim service organizations:  Brandywine Counseling, Child, Inc., and the Victims’ Compensation Assistance Program before coming to the Delaware Department of Justice (DOJ).  Jenn has worked as a Victim Service Specialist for the DOJ since 2011.  She spent most of those years as a fierce advocate for domestic violence survivors in the Domestic Violence Unit.  In 2025 she assumed a new role in DOJ’s Division of Civil Rights and Public Trust.  Jenn is extremely active in the victim services community at large.  She is an active member of multiple task forces and committees. For the DOJ, she serves as the only social worker who is a member of the legislative team. She reviews policies being proposed in legislative hall and provides expert insight to DOJ leadership on how these policies would impact victims of DV.  Jenn is the Chair of the Delaware Victims’ Rights Task Force, chair of the LGBTQ+ Victim Services Subcommittee of the VRTF, Secretary to the Domestic Violence Task Force, and an active member of the Joint Task Force Legislative Subcommittee.

Jenn has also consistently advocated to improve the lives of LGBTQ+ survivors.  One nominator said “Jennifer has taken on various leadership roles to combat this issue, including serving as President of Delaware Pride, one of the only state-wide LGBTQ+ groups, chairing the LGBTQ+ Victim Rights Task Force Committee, and participating in multiple panels and workshops addressing the unique challenges the LGBTQ+ community faces in accessing victim services. She consistently provides public comment on bills affecting the LGBTQ+ community.”

She has been instrumental in various pieces of legislation, including passage of the gay panic defense bill.  She served on the Victims’ Bill of Rights Committee in 2024 which provided recommendations that led directly to the passage SB17 in 2025, which was the first major revision and update to the Victims’ Bill of Rights since its creation in 1992.  Jenn provided extensive research to support a recent strangulation bill, and she continues to track and speak about bills impacting victims.

Domestic Violence Intervention (Treatment) Providers

The organizational awards went to the Domestic Violence Intervention Providers at both Child, Inc. and People’s Place II.  These programs provide treatment to those who engage in domestic violence abuse, which is often court mandated.  Nominator Erica Davis said “Since 2022, when the PFA Compliance project started, both programs have demonstrated unwavering commitment by collaborating to address complex challenges that required seamless coordination, strategic innovation, and a shared vision. Their partnership has not only set a standard for inter-agency collaboration but has also delivered measurable results that have positively transformed the lives of those they serve.

The success of these programs is a direct result of the collective dedication and contributions of every team member. From the meticulous administrative work carried out by support staff, to the adaptability and understanding demonstrated by evaluators, to the expertise and empathy shown by facilitators, and the steadfast leadership of the program directors—each role has been vital. Despite facing budget constraints, staffing shortages, limited resources, and personal challenges, both agencies have remained steadfast in their commitment to delivering exceptional service.”  These programs go above and beyond by modifying service delivery methods to accommodate out of state or incapacitated clients, adjusting fees so that no clients are unable to access services, offering trainings for stakeholders and partners, and advocating for adequate funding, accountability and systems improvements.

The DVCC presented the recipients with their awards during the Governor’s Proclamation signing for Domestic Violence Awareness Month on October 30, 2025.