STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — It takes a special kind of prosecutor to navigate the intricacies and heartache of sex abuse cases on Staten Island — and her name is Victoria Levin.

After 16 years of pursuing justice and providing support to victims of sexual assault and other heinous acts, Levin over the weekend was awarded with the New York City Bar Association’s Thomas E. Dewey medal.

The award — named after former Manhattan District Attorney, Governor of New York and 1948 Republican Party presidential Nominee Thomas E. Dewey — is presented each year to an outstanding assistant district attorney in each of the city’s five boroughs, plus the Office of the City’s Special Narcotics Prosecutor.

Levin, who currently oversees Staten Island’s Special Victims Division and Pathways to Justice program, accepted the award at the city Bar association’s 21st Annual Gala in Manhattan.

Levin, who was joined at the event by family and colleagues, issued the following statement afterward:

“What an incredible treat it is to be honored by and among peers you respect so much, for doing work you love deeply. To me, this job is about serving our community, never stopping the development of my legal skills and brain, showing kindness and humanity to victims who come to us in their darkest hours, and growing in this challenging and rewarding career every day.

I feel so privileged to do this work for district attorney (Michael E. McMahon), in this office and for this community. I feel honored and deeply humbled to be given this incredible recognition, and to be able to keep growing in this work I love so much.”

A decorated career

According to a press release sent out Monday by the district attorney’s office, Levin has successfully prosecuted hundreds of criminal cases focusing on domestic violence, child sexual abuse, homicides and cases involving serious mental illness.

Currently, she oversees cases being prosecuted by the Special Victims Bureau, Domestic Violence Bureau, Victim Advocacy Unit, Alternatives to Incarceration Unit and Immigration Affairs Unit.

Over the course of her 16-year tenure, Levin has held numerous other key positions including Deputy Bureau Chief for the Criminal Court Bureau, and Unit Chief for the Juvenile Justice Unit.

District Attorney Michael E. McMahon, in a written statement Monday, said Levin has “devoted her professional life” to survivors of domestic violence and sexual violence. At the same time, she was “ensuring Staten Island’s most vulnerable receive justice in the courtroom,” said McMahon.

“In prosecuting countless dangerous criminals and overseeing the Alternatives to Incarceration Unit, her efforts have undoubtedly made Staten Island a safer and more just place to call home.”