L to R: Pete Skandalakis, PAC executive director; Devon Munoz, UWG student; Dr. Rita Davis-Cannon, PAC victim assistance division director, Marsy’s Law for Georgia advisory board member and certification program co-creator; Dr. Karen Owen, dean of UWG’s University College; Dr. Mai Naito Mills, associate professor, UWG; Brittani McNeal, former UWG professor; Dr. Michael Johnson, UWG president; Dr. Anthony Fleming, associate professor, UWG; Todd Hayes, Cherokee County solicitor general and chair of PAC’s Victim Services Committee; Mel Hewitt, advisory board member, Marsy’s Law for Georgia
In honor of Domestic Violence Awareness Month, Marsy’s Law for Georgia(MLGA), a leading victims’ rights advocacy group, is pleased to bestow Marsy’s Law Champion Awards to University of West Georgia professors, Drs. Anthony Fleming, Mai Mills, Lynn Pazzani (now residing in the UK) and Brittani McNeal (now with Middle Georgia State University) for their contributions in creating the UWG’s Victim Services Certification Program.
Each year, Marsy’s Law for Georgia recognizes individuals or organizations that demonstrate outstanding commitment to advancing victims’ rights. Due to UWG’s new certification program and its focus on supporting victims, MLGA chose Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM) to honor the profound impact Drs. Fleming and McNeal, Mills and Pazzani have had on students — and the compassion and insight those students will carry forward as future victim advocates. This groundbreaking certification is a collaborative initiative between UWG and the Prosecuting Attorneys’ Council of Georgia (PAC) Victim Services Committee. The program is designed to enhance the professional development of future crime victim advocates and expand the number of skilled, compassionate professionals entering the criminal justice field with a trauma-informed, survivor-centered approach to supporting victims of crime.
“This celebration honors the innovation, leadership and shared commitment to improving system-based victim services across Georgia. We look forward to recognizing this milestone with our partners, colleagues and the broader community,” said Dr. Rita Davis-Cannon, PAC victim assistance division director, Marsy’s Law for Georgia advisory board member and certification program co-creator.
Since its inception in 1987 and official congressional designation in 1989, October has been observed as DVAM. This year’s theme, “With Survivors, Always,” highlights the importance of standing in solidarity with survivors and deepening public understanding of the far-reaching effects of domestic violence.
“I am deeply proud of Drs. Fleming, McNeal, Mills and Pazzani for their initiative in creating this program with the Prosecuting Attorneys’ Council of Georgia,” said Dr. Michael Johnson, president of the University of West Georgia. “Their work exemplifies the highest standards of academic excellence and civic engagement, and we are honored to celebrate their contributions and the impact they will continue to make in our communities.”
Cherokee County Solicitor General and Chair of PAC’s Victim Services Committee, Todd Hayes, and PAC Executive Director, Pete Skandalakis, were also in attendance during the Oct. 28 event and offered words of appreciation, encouragement and support for the program and students who have completed the inaugural certification.
Past recipients of the Marsy’s Law Champion Award include U.S. Representative Lucy McBath (GA-06), U.S. Sen. John Lewis, U.S. Sen. Reverend Raphael Warnock, Cobb County District Attorney Flynn Broady, former Georgia Lt. Governor Geoff Duncan and Georgia’s First Lady Marty Kemp. Additional recipients will be announced throughout the year. To nominate a crime victims’ advocate for consideration, please contact Frances Chang at [email protected].
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 https://ga.marsyslaw.us/. 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 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. In an effort 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.
