Crime Victims Advocacy Council

05/31/2025

If someone is a victim of a violent crime like murder (losing a loved one), the best steps they can take include:
- Ensure Safety – If the crime is recent, make sure they are in a safe environment and seek protection if needed.
- Seek Immediate Support – Contact law enforcement and victim services for guidance.
- Access Counseling – Trauma from violent crime can be overwhelming. Professional counseling or support groups can help process grief and trauma. CVAC offers weekly support groups. Call 770.333.9254.
- Know Their Rights – Victims have legal rights, including access to compensation, protection, and advocacy services.
- Consider Legal Action – If applicable, they may want to work with law enforcement or legal professionals to seek justice. Contact Victimbar to assess your civil case.
- Find Community Support – Connecting with others who have experienced similar loss can be helpful. CVAC, MADD, Parents Of Murdered children (POMC)
- Take Care of Themselves – Grief and trauma can take a toll. Prioritizing self-care, rest, and emotional well-being is crucial

CVAC is dedicated to preventing crime and assisting Georgia crime victims and their families and communities in Georgia

05/31/2025

The Crime Victims Fund Stabilization Act has gone through multiple versions. The latest version, H.R. 909, was introduced in February 2025. It aims to temporarily provide additional deposits into the Crime Victims Fund to prevent further cuts to victim services. The bill currently has 168 cosponsors from both parties, but its chances of being enacted are estimated at 3%.
An earlier version, H.R. 8061, was introduced in April 2024 but did not advance beyond referral to the House Judiciary Committee

02/14/2025

CVAC believes that crime victims need to be aware of pending Georgia legislation that may affect them. HB3, like the Brady Law, requires universal background checks and CVAC voted to support that. HB63 discusses penalties for failing to secure loaded fi****ms and CVAC has yet not taken a position on that. HB168 provides protection for domestic violence and stalking victims. Please contact your representatives on any of these bills and voice your opinion.



A bill, Senate Bill 68, has been introduced in the Georgia General Assembly that could threaten the civil justice rights of crime victims. SB 68 would impose limits on the rights of crime victims to recover damages from property owners and businesses who fail to provide proper security, resulting in injuries or even death to innocent victims on their premises. The bill would increase a crime victim’s burden of proof in these cases, forbid them from presenting important evidence, and make it much easier to have their cases thrown out of court altogether. If you would like to voice your opinion on the impact of SB-68 on the civil justice rights of crime victims, please call your state representatives immediately. CVAC takes the position that we favor civil justice actions that fairly compensate crime victims and allow for their day in court. Find your state representatives’ phone numbers here:

Georgians who have a need, concern, or idea regarding state policy can contact their state legislators.

01/30/2025

Become a professional crime victim's advocate and work in a nonprofit or DA VWAP office. 40 hours for National Advocate Credentialling Program

VAT Online is a foundational, Web-based victim assistance training program that offers victim service providers and allied professionals the opportunity to develop the essential skills and knowledge they need to assist victims of crime more effectively.

11/24/2024

https://www.amazon.com/Step-Spirit-Thank-God/dp/1545607184

Rev. Bruce Cook's life is a testament to the transforming power of a spirit-led walk of faith, so it is only fitting that his latest work powerfully remind us all that the path to a Christ-like life is found by staying in step with the Spirit. In this engaging and inspiring book, Rev. Cook mixes ...

11/12/2024

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tFf3cRT4lnk

🔵 WORK WITH LEWIS PSYCHOLOGY If you'd like to work with Teresa, or a member of the Lewis Psychology team, please click on the links below:☐ Lewis Psycholog...

11/12/2024

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11/12/2024

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11/12/2024

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11/12/2024

https://youtu.be/o3mLFJgjVdE

This exclusive video by Doris Zagdanski describes the journey of grief, complemented by beautiful photography and music. For more comprehensive information o...

11/12/2024

Gone Too Soon Lyrics by Chris Daughtry
[Verse 1]
Today could've been the day
That you'd blow out your candles
Make a wish as you closed your eyes
Today could've been the day
Everybody was laughing
Instead, I just sit here and cry

[Pre-Chorus]
Who would you be?
What would you look like
When you looked at me for the very first time?
Today could've been the next day of the rest of your life

[Chorus]
Not a day goes by
That I don't think of you
I'm always asking why this crazy world had to lose
Such a ray of light we never knew
Gone too soon, yeah

[Verse 2]
Would you have been president
Or a painter, an author, or sing like your mother?
One thing is evident
Would've given all I had
Would've loved you like no other

Who would you be?
What would you look like?
Would you have my smile and her eyes?
Today could've been the next day of the rest of your life

[Chorus]
Not a day goes by
That I don't think of you
I'm always asking why this crazy world had to lose
Such a ray of light we never knew
Gone too soon, yeah

[Bridge]
Not a day goes by
Oh
I'm always asking why

[Chorus]
Not a day goes by
That I don't think of you
I'm always asking why this crazy world had to lose
Such a beautiful light we never knew
Gone too soon
You were gone too soon, yeah
Oooh
Oooh, oh

11/12/2024

"Our grief is as individual as our lives."
Dr. Elisabeth Kubler-Ross
"We must know the pain of loss; because if we never knew it, we would have no compassion for others, and we would become monsters of self-regard, creatures of unalloyed self-interest. The terrible pain of loss teaches humility to our prideful kind, has the power to soften uncaring hearts, to make a better person of a good one."
Dean Koontz 'The Darkest Evening Of The Year'