Marsy's Law for Georgia

Georgia Senator John F. Kennedy was one of the original sponsors for Marsy's Law as a constitutional amendment. He recounted the challenges in getting the law passed in 2018 and passes on advice to crime victims in this recent interview.

Interview with Senator John F Kennedy, Orginal Sponsor of Marsy's Law for Georgia Sheriff Reginald Scandrett receives the Champion Award from Marsy’s Law for Georgia during National Crime Victims’ Rights Week for his commitment to victim advocacy.

When funding disappears, the need doesn’t. Georgia-based nonprofit Raksha is continuing its critical work supporting survivors of domestic violence and s*xual assault in South Asian American community, despite losing federal grant funding.

Executive Director Aparna Bhattacharyya shared that the organization is now “hustling” to find new resources while continuing to serve those who need it most. Stories like this are a reminder of how vital community support is, especially when federal dollars fall short.

Georgia nonprofit balancing federal funding cuts while supporting South Asian American abuse, assault survivors Raksha, the only nonprofit in Georgia dedicated to social issues within the state’s South Asian American communities, including support for survivors of domestic violence and s*xual assault, was among hundreds of organizations that lost funding after the U.S. Department of Justice cut an estimated...

Georgia showed up and lit up!

The Marsy’s Law for Georgia National Crime Victims’ Rights Week video is here and it’s a powerful reminder of what it means to stand with victims and survivors across our state. All across the state, businesses and landmarks turned purple in honor of those impacted by crime.

Featured in this year’s statewide tribute:
Georgia World Congress Center
Georgia International Plaza
Google Atlanta Office
King & Spalding Building
Carvana Tower Midtown Atlanta
Gateway85 pedestrian bridge
King and Queen Buildings
Avalon Plaza Fountain
Whitfield County Courthouse
Mercer University pedestrian bridge
Macon Georgia Sign Downtown

Watch the video and see Georgia glowing purple:

Marsy’s Law for Georgia Lights Up Support for NCVRW 2026 Last month, something powerful happened across the state of Georgia.Businesses, landmarks, and communities lit up purple in support of crime victims, survivo...

Ahead of the 2026 summer soccer events coming to Atlanta, Georgia leaders and businesses are stepping up to combat human trafficking.

Led by Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger, the relaunch of Georgia Businesses Against Trafficking will equip local businesses with training to recognize warning signs and create safe spaces for victims.

With Atlanta identified as one of the U.S. cities with the highest trafficking rates, initiatives like this are critical.

Georgia Businesses Against Human Trafficking relaunches ahead of World Cup Georgia's business community joins forces to combat human trafficking ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup in Atlanta. Learn about the initiatives.

Justice has been served in a devastating case out of Cherokee County. A Georgia man has been sentenced to three consecutive life sentences plus 25 years after being convicted of multiple child s*x crimes involving girls under 16.

This case is a powerful reminder of the importance of survivor voices. Their testimony, alongside the work of law enforcement and prosecutors, helped bring accountability after years of abuse:

Georgia man sentenced to 3 life sentences for child s*x crimes - WJCL A judge sentenced a Georgia man to three consecutive life sentences plus 25 years after a jury convicted him of child s*x crimes involving girls younger than 16

Senate Bill 542, also known as the Georgia Clergy Sexual Abuse Bill, has passed unanimously, closing a long-standing loophole by adding clergy to the state’s list of authority figures. This means religious leaders can now be held to the same legal standards as teachers and coaches when it comes to s*xual misconduct.

This change is the result of years of advocacy from survivors who refused to let the system overlook abuse carried out under the guise of spiritual authority. Now, the bill sits on Brian Kemp’s desk to be signed into law.

Georgia Clergy Sexual Abuse Bill passes unanimously Georgia legislators passed the "Clergy Sexual Abuse Bill," adding religious leaders to the list of authority figures accountable for s*xual misconduct.

What does it mean to truly tell a victim’s story?

After decades covering crime, Tom Jones with WSB-TV has seen firsthand how gaps in the system impact victims long after headlines fade.

That’s why Marsy’s Law for Georgia recognized him with its Champion Award during National Crime Victims’ Rights Week. Jones has shown his dedication to creating reporting that challenges, informs and puts victims first because every story deserves to be told with dignity.

He stated, "It's important to capture the story from the victim's point of view because in most cases they didn't ask for their lives to be ended, their bodies maimed or their lives disrupted.”

https://hubs.la/Q04dPkgH0

After a crime, the hardest question is often: what happens next? Atlanta Victim Assistance (AVA) is helping answer that with a new video series, “The Path Forward.” These 14 short videos walk victims and their families through every step, from calling 911 to navigating court proceedings, bringing clarity to an overwhelming process.

Atlanta organization creates new series to help victims after a crime The organization is there for victims of crimes and their loved ones to be a helping hand through a tragedy.

With a career spanning more than 30 years, Sheriff Scandrett continues to lead with a mission rooted in engagement, accountability and support for victims beyond the courtroom. His work reminds us that justice doesn't end with the culprit's apprehension. It continues with care, communication and compassion.

With a career spanning more than 30 years, Sheriff Scandrett continues to lead with a mission rooted in engagement, accountability and support for victims beyond the courtroom. His work reminds us that justice doesn't end with the culprit's apprehension. It continues with care, communication and compassion.

Sheriff Scandrett stated, “Our responsibility does not end with an arrest or a conviction. For victims, the process continues and it is our duty to ensure they are informed, protected and supported every step of the way.” https://hubs.la/Q04dY2nP0

Last month, Georgia glowed purple!

Each April, Marsy’s Law for Georgia honors victims and survivors during National Crime Victims’ Rights Week (April 19–25) by lighting up landmarks across the state. This year, some of Georgia’s most recognizable locations joined the movement, shining a light on the importance of victim rights, awareness and advocacy.

From Georgia World Congress Center to Avalon and beyond, these purple lights represent a powerful message: Listen. Act. Advocate. Protect victims, serve communities.

Stay tuned for a special video showcasing Georgia lit up in purple

Marsy’s Law for Georgia Commemorates National Crime Victims' Rights Week with Purple Skyline and Champion Awards Marsy’s Law for Georgia honors National Crime Victims’ Rights Week with a purple skyline and Champion Awards, recognizing advocates for victims' rights.