Marsy’s Law for Georgia Recognizes Cobb County Commission Chair and District Attorney with Champion Award During National Crime Victims’ Rights Week

Having played a tremendous role in creating the Family Advocacy Center, both Commissioner Cupid and District Attorney Broady embody this message. The Family Advocacy Center streamlines services for victims and survivors in the county by providing a safe space and resources to help navigate the judicial system while they recover from their trauma.

“As a long-time victims’ advocate, and previous recipient of the Marsy’s Law Champion Award, it was an honor to recognize all that Commissioner Cupid and District Attorney Broady have done for victims,” said Derek Marchman, Marchman Consulting president, and Marsy’s Law advisory board member. “Building a team to create the Family Advocacy Center where victims can go to one place for resources, versus three or four, trying to navigate the judicial system after experiencing a tragedy removes so much of a burden to an unprepared victim. The work for victims’ rights is an ongoing issue and I’m proud to have Commissioner Cupid and DA Broady on our side,” he added.

Champion Award Challenge Coins are a keepsake and symbols that represent outstanding achievements within an organization and are awarded when individuals overcome tremendous obstacles to achieve their goals. Marsy’s Law for Georgia recognizes individuals with challenge coins as a token of their commitment to justice and dedication to raising awareness surrounding victims’ rights.

"I am honored to receive the Marsy's Law for Georgia Champion Award alongside District Attorney Flynn Broady. The Board of Commissioners' support of the DA’s opening of the Family Advocacy Center is a testament to our county’s commitment to helping citizens have access to services and resources they need, especially in times of hardship, " said Chairwoman Lisa Cupid, Cobb County Board of Commissioners. "I am grateful to all who work tirelessly to support and empower victims in Cobb County and throughout Georgia."​

“As District Attorney, I represent the people in my jurisdiction and victims are often the most overlooked people in the population,” said District Attorney Flynn Broady. “I want to thank my team for their hard work and dedication in bringing the Family Advocacy Center to fruition. Thank you, Marsy’s Law for Georgia for this award, if it takes all of us to elevate one victim’s voice, we will continue to engage until we effect change.”

Members of Impact Public Affairs representing Marsy’s Law for Georgia were also in attendance and advisory board members Mel Hewitt and Dr. Tamiko Lowry-Pugh gave brief speeches during the presentation.

Last spring’s recipients of the Marsy’s Law Challenge Coin included former Georgia Lt. Governor Geoff Duncan and Georgia State Pardon and Paroles Board Member Meg Heap. Previous Marsy’s Law Challenge Coin recipients also include Peter Skandalakis, Prosecuting Attorneys’ Council (PAC) of Georgia’s executive director, Kimya Motley and Beverly Muhammad, Marsy’s Law for Georgia advisory board members, and Senator John Lewis. More recipients will be announced throughout the year. To nominate a crime victim’s 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 nationwide that have added Marsy’s Law to their constitutions in recent years. To learn more about Marsy’s Law Georgia, please visit their website. 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 walked into a grocery store where she was confronted by the accused murderer. The family, who had just come from a visit to Marsy’s grave, was unaware that the accused had been released on bail. In an effort to honor his sister, Dr. Nicholas has made it his life’s mission to give victims and their families constitutional protections and equal rights. Since California’s passage of the Victim’s Bill of Rights Act of 2008, Marsy’s Law legislation has been overwhelmingly approved by voters in Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Kentucky, Nevada, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Wisconsin, Oklahoma, and South Dakota.

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