Gail Burns-Smith Award Honors Two Advocates for Blending Support for Survivors with Treatment for Sex Offenders

Strategic Insights -

The National Sexual Violence Resource Center (NSVRC) and the Association for the Treatment and Prevention of Sexual Abuse (ATSA) have jointly awarded Dr. Tyffani Monford and Melissa Webb with the 2025 Gail-Burns Smith Award. This honor recognizes their commitment to bridging support for survivors of sexual harm with treatment for those who cause sexual harm. Dr. Monford, a clinical services director and associate professor, has dedicated her career to promoting mental wellness and advocating for survivors, while Webb, a licensed clinical social worker, provides treatment and services to those who have perpetrated sexual harm. Both awardees embody the spirit of Gail Burns-Smith's work in advocating for collaboration between victim advocates and those working in sex offender management.

Key Takeaways:

  • Dr. Tyffani Monford, the Director of Clinical Services at MetroHealth Behavioral Health Hospital and Associate Professor at Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, has served as a consultant and trainer in areas such as sexual violence in juvenile correctional systems and prevention/response to campus sexual assault.
  • Monford has provided mental health trainings and served as a panelist at conferences focused on culturally-informed mental health services, treatment for survivors of sexual abuse, and social justice work.
  • She has authored several books, workbooks, and curricula addressing the needs of faith-based and Black women survivors of sexual assault, adolescent girl survivors of human trafficking, and trauma-informed care with Black girls.
  • Melissa Webb, a licensed clinical social worker and owner of Red Rock Psychological Health, utilizes Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to treat sexual offenses, problematic sexual fetishes, and abuse/trauma over the lifespan.
  • Webb has worked tirelessly to connect law enforcement and child advocacy centers, providing free trainings for officers, caseworkers, and therapists on sexual abuse dynamics and advocacy.
  • Dr. Monford feels that her greatest accomplishment has been serving on the steering committee for the March for Black Women (2017, 2018), which brought thousands of marchers to DC to address state-violence against Black women and girls.
  • Webb has been a sex educator and advocate for victims and perpetrators of sexual abuse since 2006, and serves as an expert witness in civil and criminal court cases.

Statistics:

  • Since 2006, Dr. Monford has served on several boards addressing issues of mental health, sexual violence prevention, and intervention.
  • Melissa Webb has provided services to individuals who have perpetrated sexual harm using Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and other modalities.
  • The March for Black Women, sponsored by Black Women's Blueprint, brought thousands of marchers to DC in 2017 and 2018 to address state-violence against Black women and girls.
  • Every April, the National Sexual Violence Resource Center (NSVRC) leads Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM), a campaign to educate and engage the public in addressing sexual violence.

Sources:

  • National Sexual Violence Resource Center (NSVRC)
  • Association for the Treatment and Prevention of Sexual Abuse (ATSA)
  • Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine
  • Black Women's Blueprint
  • Respect Together