Public Safety: Helping Survivors Find Justice

By District Attorney Shannon Wallace

 

For more than 40 years, National Crime Victims’ Rights Week (NCVRW) has challenged communities across the country to confront and remove barriers to achieving justice for victims of crime. During NCVRW, we celebrate the accomplishments of the victims’ rights movement, reflect on how far we have come, and honor survivors and those who provide services to people affected by crime.

Crime victims have rights; they have a voice; and they have support and services in the Cherokee County District Attorney’s Office.

 

Empowering and Supporting Crime Victims

Starting in the 1980s, federal and state laws began to address the rights of victims of crime. In Georgia, a 1988 constitutional amendment authorized payment for services to people harmed by violent crime. In 1995, the Crime Victims’ Bill of Rights ensured that Georgia residents have the right to be informed, present, and heard concerning criminal cases in which they are affected. In 2018, voters passed a constitutional amendment that added other victim rights to our state constitution.

Last year in Cherokee County, 11 dedicated advocates in our Victim Witness Assistant Program provided support and guidance to more than 3,000 crime victims.

The services these advocates provide uphold the Georgia Crime Victims’ Bill of Rights, which include notification of case status, education about the criminal justice system, accompaniment and support during criminal proceedings, referrals to resources, and assistance in filing for victim-related compensation.

 

National Crime Victims’ Rights Week

The 2022 theme is rights, access, and equity for all victims. Throughout the week, our office will issue a series of Facebook posts that support crime victims, highlight services we provide, and reach out to members of our community (Facebook.com/CherokeeDistrictAttorney).

We hope you never find yourself in need of crime victim services. But if you do, we are here to help guide you and protect your rights.

For more information, contact the Victim Witness Assistance Program at 770-479-1488.

 

Georgia Crime Victims’ Bill of Rights

Below are some rights you have as a victim of crime in Georgia. A complete listing can be found in § O.C.G.A. 17-17-1.

• Reasonable, accurate, and timely notice of any scheduled court proceedings;
• Reasonable, accurate, and timely notice of the arrest, release, or escape of the accused;
• Not be excluded from any scheduled court proceedings involving the accused, except as provided by law;
• Be heard at any scheduled court proceedings involving the release, plea, or sentencing of the accused;
• File a written objection in any parole proceedings involving the accused;
• Confer with the prosecutor in any criminal prosecution related to the victim;
• Restitution as provided by law; and
• Be treated fairly and with dignity by all criminal justice agencies.