Bergen Prosecutor Recognized As 'Gladiator' For Victims' Justice

BERGEN COUNTY, NJ — A Bergen County assistant prosecutor will be recognized as a "gladiator" for her work to ensure crime victims and their families are treated with compassion and dignity during the criminal justice process, officials said.

Jessica Gomperts, a 23-year assistant Bergen County prosecutor, will be presented on Friday with the "Gladiator" award from the New Jersey Attorney General's office for her work delivering justice to victims and loved ones, officials said in a release.

Gomperts will be recognized alongside four other New Jersey victim advocates, who were nominated by their colleagues and selected by a state Department of Law and Safety committee, at an event held in honor of National Crime Victims' Rights Week (April 23-29).

During the assistant prosecutor's tenure, she has worked in the appellate, juvenile, grand jury and trial sections of the office.

Over the past 12 years as chief of the county's Domestic Violence Squad, Gomperts has handled hundreds of cases, including alleged attempted murders, aggravated sexual assaults, custody interferences, kidnappings, aggravated assaults, and more, officials said in the release.

Gomperts also played a "significant role" in the creation of the Extreme Risk Protective Order Act; this is the nation's first statewide directive to enforce the "extreme risk" gun safety law, which makes it easier for officers — state officials said — to keep firearms away from people "who present a risk of harming themselves or others."

"Jessica is a law enforcement hero for domestic violence survivors and continues to lend her expertise to innovative policy and social change efforts across the state," the AG's office said in the release.

She will be honored along the other victims' justice award recipients at an event hosted by the AG's office and other state agencies; the purpose of the event — officials said — is to "amplify survivor voices, and highlight the role varied disciplines play in the healing journeys of crime victims."

The event will be hosted at the Richard Hughes Justice Complex in Trenton, and will be themed "Survivor Voices: Elevate. Engage." — calling upon communities to create environments where survivors have the confidence that they will be heard, believed, and supported.

“We recognize the devastating impact that violent crime has on individuals, their loved ones, and our communities, and we remain committed to ensuring New Jersey is using a systemic, statewide approach to prevent violent crime as we assist those who have been affected by it,” attorney general Matthew Platkin said. “Each victim has their own story and their own journey of healing, and we honor them with today’s ceremony."