Marsy’s Law for Georgia Is Turning the Georgia Skies Purple and Honoring Victim Advocates for National Crime Victims’ Rights Week, April 21 – 27

April 18, 2024

The entire state is showing support for victims of crime.

 

ATLANTA – April 18, 2024 – Every year, Marsy’s Law for Georgia commemorates National Crime Victims’ Rights Week (NCVRW) with a campaign that highlights local crime victim-centered events, honors crime victim advocates, and raises awareness about crime victims’ rights around the state. 

This year NCVRW falls on April 21-27, with the theme, “How Would You Help? Options, Services, and Hope for Crime Survivors.” To officially acknowledge the week, Governor Brian Kemp issued a proclamation declaring that April 21-27 is Crime Victims’ Rights Week in the State of Georgia.

In addition to the proclamation, Marsy’s Law solicited many Georgia landmarks to illuminate their facades in purple LEDs in support of raising awareness for NCVRW. Landmarks turning purple next week include:

  • The King & Queen buildings in Sandy Spring
  • The Gateway85 pedestrian bridge over Jimmy Carter Blvd in Norcross
  • The Whitfield County Courthouse in Dalton
  • The Mercer University pedestrian bridge in Macon
  • The King & Spalding building
  • The Google building
  • Mercedes Benz Stadium
  • The Signia Hilton
  • Georgia World Congress Center

Recognizing those who have gone above and beyond in their pursuit of justice for victims with Champion Awards is also a great portion of Marsy's Law's appreciation for NCVRW. 

Ché Alexander was honored with a Marsy’s Law Champion Award on April 17 in recognition of her work as the Fulton County Superior and Magistrate Courts and transitioning the outdated court system to the modern digital era in compliance with the 2018 Criminal Record Responsibility Act. Members of the Criminal Justice Coordinating Council (CJCC) were also recognized on April 18 for launching the VINE Apriss automated victim notification (AVN) system this past March.

"I truly believe we are saving lives," said Jay Neal, executive director of the CJCC. "The launch of this automated victim notification system marks a significant milestone in our ongoing efforts to ensure that victims are informed and empowered throughout their journey towards justice."

Crime victims or their families can opt into the VINE Apriss notification system through the VINE website.

Marsy’s Law for Georgia promotes victims’ rights during NCVRW and works year-round to educate communities on the many resources available. While the pandemic made it difficult for everyone, victims of violent crimes have been especially impacted with the increased court case backlog. Victim advocates and services such as the Criminal Justice Coordinating Council (CJCC), Crime Victims’ Advocacy Council (CVAC), Prosecuting Attorneys’ Council (PAC) of Georgia, the Georgia Western Judicial Circuit District Attorney’s Office, and more have resources and events available to help aid victims throughout the judicial process.

(L-R) Mel Hewitt, Isenberg & Hewitt; Rita Davis-Cannon, Prosecuting Attorneys' Council; Pete Skandalakis,

Prosecuting Attorneys' Council, Ché Alexander,

Fulton County Superior Court; Harralyn Rawls, Fellowship Community Outreach

 

(L-R) Kristy Carter, CJCC Victim Assistance Division Director; Jay Neal,

CJCC Executive Director; Robert Thornton, CJCC Chief Operating Officer

 

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 and brother, Henry T. Nicholas, walked into a grocery store where they were confronted by the accused murderer. The family, who had just come from a visit to Marsy’s gravesite, was unaware that the accused had been released on bail. To honor his sister, Dr. Nicholas has made it his mission to ensure victims of crime have constitutional rights and protections in every state. He formed Marsy’s Law For All in 2009 to pass those rights and provide subject matter expertise to service providers and stakeholders within the criminal justice process.

For more information on Marsy’s Law for All, please visit www.marsyslaw.us.

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