CJCC Celebrates National Crime Victims’ Rights Week with Three Ceremonies Across Georgia

Since 1981, National Crime Victims' Rights Week has challenged the Nation to confront and remove barriers to achieving justice for all victims of crime. In commemoration of National Crime Victims' Rights Week (NCVRW), The Criminal Justice Coordinating Council (CJCC) hosted three special ceremonies across the state to remember those who have lost their lives to violence, honor the resilience of survivors, and recognize the work of those who promote healing and seek justice on behalf of crime victims in Georgia.

This year's NCVRW theme is "How would you help? Options, services, and hope for crime survivors," and everyone-friends, family members, neighbors, colleagues, community leaders, victim service providers, criminal justice practitioners, and health professionals-is asked to consider how we can all support crime victims. .

CJCC collaborated with community partners across the state to plan this year's NCVRW ceremonies and CJCC presented special awards to individuals and organizations who have made great contributions to the advancement and improvement of victim services in Georgia.

CJCC kicked off NCVRW on Monday, April 22nd, at the Georgia Association of Women in Public Safety Conference in Columbus, GA. At this event CJCC presented the Georgia Women in Public Safety Going Above and Beyond Award to Sergeant Ashley Wilson. This award recognizes and celebrates the extraordinary contributions that women in public safety have made in the lives of victims, survivors, and their communities. Sergeant Ashley Wilson was instrumental in the passage of HB 451, now known as the Ashley Wilson Act, which provides supplemental health insurance to first responders diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder as a result of on-the-job- experience. Countless public safety officers who are also victims when dealing with the death or injury of a peer will benefit from Ashley's efforts. We are all inspired by her bravery, commitment, and compassion in supporting first responders in our state. Georgia State Representative Terry Cummings was in attendance.

The second ceremony was held on Wednesday, April 24th, in Albany, GA, in partnership with Lily Pad Inc., Open Arms, Inc., Liberty House Albany, and the Dougherty District Attorney's Victim Witness Assistance Program. Speakers included Mayor Bo Dorough, Georgia Court of Appeals Judge Ken Hodges, District Attorney Greg Edwards, Captain Terron Hays, and Ladonna Roberts. During the ceremony, Phoebe Putney Health System was presented with the Georgia Corporate Leadership Award. This award recognizes a business, organization, or individual from a discipline outside of the victim assistance field for their dedication to supporting crime victims and advancing the victim services community. These allied professionals are committed to innovative approaches to ending violence and supporting those impacted by it.

The third and final ceremony was held on Friday, April 26th, in Clarksville, GA. CJCC co-hosted the event with F.A.I.T.H. in Rabun County, Circle of Hope Domestic Violence Program in Habersham County, Rape Response in Hall County, Family Resource Center in Habersham, and Northeast Georgia CASA in Habersham. Speakers included Senator Bo Hatchett, Representative Victor Anderson, Sheriff Joey Terrell, Sherriff Elect Robin Krockum, Chief Superior Court Judge for the Mountain Judicial Circuit Rusty Smith, District Attorney George Christian, and Lauren Joiner-Paul. During the ceremony, the Gwinnett County Victim Witness Program was presented with the Georgia Corporate Leadership Award for its creative initiatives that engage and inform the victim community, including partnerships that expand their reach and connect to those most in need of services.

CJCC also presented the Georgia Corporate Leadership Award to Reeves Ace Hardware Store in Clayton for their generous financial contributions to support combatting domestic violence, sexual assault, and child abuse, totaling thousands of dollars. Their store also provided invaluable in-kind donations to aid victims with essential home improvement supplies.

CJCC shared remarks from Governor Brian Kemp, First Lady Marty Kemp, and Lieutenant Governor Burt Jones, who took the time to address attendees with a video message underscoring the importance of our collective efforts.

CJCC would like to thank everyone who supported our efforts to recognize Georgia crime victims and advocates. Please click the links below to view videos and photos from our 2024 NCVRW ceremonies.

Link to Video Recap of NCVRW Ceremonies

Link to Video Message from Governor and First Lady Kemp

Link to Video from Lieutenant Governor Burt Jones

Link to Pictures from NCVRW Ceremonies

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About the Criminal Justice Coordinating Council (CJCC)

Created by the Georgia General Assembly in 1981 as an Executive Branch agency, the Criminal Justice Coordinating Council (CJCC) represents the culmination of many efforts to establish a statewide body that would build consensus and unity among the State's diverse and interdependent, criminal justice system components. For more information visit the CJCC website: https://cjcc.georgia.gov/.

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