Cathy C. Church has always believed that everyone deserves justice within our criminal justice system. It was this belief that prompted Cathy to leave the private practice of law after seven successful years as a defense attorney and become a Marquette County Assistant Prosecutor in 1994. Since assuming those duties, Cathy has been a tireless champion and voice of those victimized by criminals.

As a former Marquette County Assistant Prosecutor,  Cathy was instrumental in obtaining federal grants which help train police officers, judges, probation officers, lawyers and other criminal justice personnel how to effectively and professionally handle cases involving family and intimate violence.  Cathy has prosecuted many dangerous felons, many of whom are still in prison, to make Marquette County a safer place.

Cathy’s focus has been to enforce Michigan law whenever it has been broken. She has listened to hundreds of victims whose lives have been poisoned by violence both inside and outside their homes. Many of these victims turned to Cathy long after their case was resolved if they or their loved ones were suffering more criminal wrongdoing. Cathy always had time to return their calls, listen to their concerns and, if possible, take action to stop the criminal behavior.

Cathy’s experience over the past 14 years compelled her to join her colleagues in building a new non-profit organization, Access Justice Now, the sole mission of which is to help victims of intimate criminal violence find justice, safety and solace.

Cathy is also an active local community leader, teaching law enforcement professionals and police cadets as well as university students interested in a criminal justice career.

In her spare time, Cathy enjoys spending time with her family and pets (three cats and two dogs), cycling the back roads of Marquette County, and taking award winning photographs of the beautiful U.P.