WAUSAU – The Women’s Community has honored two women with the Outstanding Achievement in Supporting Sexual Assault Survivors Award, The Women’s Community announced this week.

An award ceremony for Jill Falstad and Brittany Burnett will be held at a later date because of COVID-19.

Falstad, a judge of the Marathon County Circuit Court, began her service to victims of sexual assault as a prosecutor for Wood County in 1986. In 1989, she began as an assistant district attorney in Marathon County. Five years later she was elected as the Marathon County district attorney and served in that capacity until 2009 when she was elected as a Marathon County circuit judge. From the moment she began her career, Falstad took on sexual assault prosecutions. As district attorney, she continually emphasized the importance of hearing the victims’ voices and empowering victims at every stage of the prosecution. As an advocate who worked with her as the district attorney, she set the standard of excellence in the DA’s office.

In her role as a judge, Falstad always treats victims with respect and dignity in her courtroom and many victims feel their voices have been heard providing closure and compassion to many people, said Jessica Lind of The Women’s Community in a news release.

Burnett has been an advocate case manager at the Child Advocacy Center of North Central Wisconsin since 2017. Prior to that, she was a family advocate at The Women’s Community in sexual assault victim services. Burnett ensures that children and their families have a positive and healing experience while at the Child Advocacy Center. She empowers youths and families to advocate for their needs and wishes and often serves as the voice of the child and family when needed. Burnett is engaging, authentic, open-hearted and compassionate while working with victims. She collaborates with professionals on the multidisciplinary team including social services, law enforcement, prosecution, medical providers, mental health providers and victim witness to work toward the very best outcome for every child and family served by the Child Advocacy Center.

“Brittany strives to partner effectively with advocates from The Women’s Community and has implemented co-advocacy efforts with advocacy agencies from around the state,” Lind said in the release.