Marsy's Law for Georgia Commemorates National Crime Victims' Rights Week, April 18 – 24
The organization encourages Georgians to know their rights by highlighting available resources.
ATLANTA - April 15, 2021 – This year from April 18 – 24 marks the 40th anniversary of National Crime Victims’ Right Week (NCVRW), and Marsy’s Law for Georgia is commemorating it by encouraging Georgians to not only know their rights but also by raising awareness of the resources available across the state to victims of crime and their advocates. From state and city proclamations to an educational video series to landmarks lighting purple, Marsy’s Law for Georgia wants victims of crime to know they are supported.
NCVRW is a time for the nation to renew its commitment to serving all victims of crime, to acknowledge the achievements in victim services and allied professions, to honor those who have gone above and beyond in their service to others, and to remember crime victims and survivors. This year’s NCVRW theme is Support Victims. Build Trust. Engage Communities, emphasizing the importance of leveraging the community to help victims of crime.
While Marsy’s Law for Georgia works year-round to support victims’ rights during NCVRW, the organization focuses on encouraging the community to educate themselves on the many resources available. This year, Marsy’s Law for Georgia secured both a state proclamation from Governor Brian Kemp and a City of Atlanta proclamation from all of the members of the Atlanta City Council commemorating the week. In addition, the organization developed and launched an educational video series to showcase a variety of Georgia organizations that support victims, build trust and engage and educate crime victims. The video series includes information from the Criminal Justice Coordinating Council (CJCC), Crime Victims’ Advocacy Council (CVAC), Prosecuting Attorneys’ Council (PAC) of Georgia, and the Jane W. Wilson Family Justice Center at the University of Georgia Law School. Click here to view the videos.
"Our mission is to bring awareness to crime victims' issues and National Crime Victims' Rights Week gives us the ability to elevate and highlight our efforts and bring awareness to Marsy's Law for Georgia," says Brad Alexander, spokesperson - Marsy’s Law for Georgia. "Although there are no in-person events this year, the proclamations, opinion editorials from district attorneys, the video series, and more than five landmarks lighting purple will help to raise awareness about crime victims’ issues and rights and reinforce the important resources and services available to those who need them most," added Alexander.
Marsy’s Law for Georgia is proud to announce the following landmarks will illuminate purple, the color of the organization, to show that they stand with victims’ rights: Mercedes Benz Stadium, the King & Queen buildings around the Perimeter, SkyView Atlanta Ferris Wheel near Centennial Olympic Park downtown; Centennial Tower in Atlanta; and the Douglas County Courthouse in Douglasville, Georgia.
About Marsy’s Law for Georgia
In 2018, Marsy’s Law amended the Georgia State Constitution to include a Bill of Rights for victims of violent crimes during criminal proceedings. The constitutional amendment received broad support and assures rights for victims, including standing to petition a court if they feel that their rights have been violated. Georgia is one of the numerous states across the country that have added Marsy’s Law to their constitutions in recent years. To learn more about Marsy’s Law Georgia, visit marsyslawforga.com. Victims and supporters interested in sharing their stories can email [email protected].
About Marsy’s Law
Marsy’s Law is named after Marsalee “Marsy” Nicholas of California who was stalked and killed by her ex-boyfriend in 1983. Only one week after her death, Marsy’s mother walked into a grocery store where she was confronted by the accused murderer. The family, who had just come from a visit to Marsy’s grave, was unaware that the accused had been released on bail. In an effort to honor his sister, Dr. Nicholas has made it his life’s mission to give victims and their family’s constitutional protections and equal rights. Since California’s passage of the Victim’s Bill of Rights Act of 2008, Marsy’s Law legislation has been overwhelmingly approved by voters in Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Kentucky, Nevada, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Wisconsin, Oklahoma and South Dakota.
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MEDIA CONTACT:
Maggie McDaniel, on behalf of Marsy’s Law for Georgia
communications 21
404.814.1330
or
Frances Chang, on behalf of Marsy’s Law for Georgia
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404.814.1330
[email protected]