Sen. Warnock honored for support of crime victim rights

ATLANTA – April 3, 2025 – Marsy’s Law for Georgia, a leading victims’ rights advocacy group, is honored to announce that it will present U.S. Sen. Rev. Raphael Warnock with its prestigious Champion Award during National Crime Victims’ Rights Week on April 6-12, 2025. The recognition celebrates Warnock’s pivotal role, alongside U.S. Sen. Jon Ossoff, in securing $1.5 million in federal funding in 2024 to support the expansion of the Cobb County Family Justice Center (formerly Cobb Family Advocacy Center), a vital resource for survivors of domestic violence, human trafficking, sexual assault and child abuse.

Each year, Marsy’s Law for Georgia honors individuals or organizations that demonstrate outstanding commitment to advancing victims’ rights. Senator Warnock’s leadership in championing this cause has directly empowered the Cobb FJC, Georgia’s first facility of its kind, to expand its critical services. Launched in 2023 by Cobb County District Attorney Flynn Broady, Jr., the center, based on the Family Justice Center Alliance model, serves as a safe and supportive environment where victims can access legal aid, counseling, shelter services and support from nonprofit and law enforcement partners. There are now currently two other such facilities in Georgia, located in Waycross and Macon.

"Senator Warnock has been a strong and proud advocate for crime victims, and his efforts to secure funding for the Cobb County Family Justice Center will have a lasting impact on crime victims in Georgia. His dedication to lending a hand to those in need exemplifies the spirit of the Champion Award, and we are honored to recognize his work," said Brad Alexander, a representative for Marsy’s Law for Georgia.

The $1.5 million in federal funding announced by Warnock reflects his dedication to addressing Georgia’s domestic violence and child abuse crises. His collaboration with Ossoff has been instrumental in equipping the Cobb FAC to address the increasing needs of Cobb County’s most vulnerable residents.

“I’m proud to have secured federal funding to support the critical work of the Cobb County Family Justice Center as they help survivors of abuse and violence get the care they need to recover and rebuild. Every Georgian deserves to live free from fear, and I will continue to support efforts that create a safer future for all,” said Senator Reverend Warnock.

This year’s National Crime Victims’ Rights Week theme is “Kinship,” which recognizes that a shared humanity should be at the center of supporting victims and survivors of crime, aligning with the mission of Marsy’s Law for Georgia and the Cobb FJC. The week serves as a powerful call-to-action, urging communities to create safe spaces where victims can share their stories and receive essential support.

Past recipients of the Marsy’s Law Champion Award include U.S. Sen. John Lewis, 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 fchang@c21pr.com.

About Marsy's LawMarsy’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.