Domestic Violence Shelter Receives Champion Award

 Ahimsa House is Georgia’s first and only organization that assists humans and pets from domestic abuse situations 

Atlanta – October 14, 2026 – In an effort to raise awareness for October’s Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM), victims’ rights advocacy group Marsy’s Law for Georgia recognized Ahimsa House with a Champion Award at the Georgia Coalition Against Domestic Violence office. Executive director Myra Rasnick and founder Emily Christie accepted the award on behalf of the nonprofit organization, which is dedicated to helping people and their pets from abusive situations.

Many domestic violence victims delay or refuse to leave their abusers out of fear of what will happen to their beloved pets. Ahimsa House allays those fears by taking in animals as well. Through a network of foster homes and boarding facilities, Ahimsa House is able to provide caring shelter for pets while their humans receive their own assistance and get back on their feet. With “ahimsa” meaning “nonviolence” in Sanskrit, Christie founded Ahimsa House in 2004 and serves those in need throughout the state of Georgia.

“As a domestic violence survivor and animal lover, I understand the dilemma between staying and hoping things get better or fleeing for safety and leaving your pet behind,” said Dr. Rita Davis-Cannon, Marsy’s Law for Georgia advisory board member and director of victim services at the Prosecuting Attorneys’ Council of Georgia. “What Ahimsa House does for a survivor’s peace of mind by providing resources for both people and pets is priceless and I am honored to be able to recognize this worthy organization with a Marsy’s Law Champion Award.”

The Marsy’s Law for Georgia Champion Award is intended to honor and recognize victim service providers and survivors for going above and beyond their advocacy for victims’ rights to be notified of relevant court proceedings, to be heard and to be treated with compassion and dignity during the judicial process. During October’s Domestic Violence Awareness Month, Marsy’s Law for Georgia plans to identify several individuals and organizations to recognize with awards to raise awareness for both domestic violence prevention and victims’ rights. This year’s DVAM Champion Award recipients include Dr. Rita Davis-Cannon, victim services director at the Prosecuting Attorneys’ Council of Georgia and Bikers Against Child Abuse.

“Victims shouldn’t be put into a position where they’re having to leave their pets — their furry or feathered family members behind to an unknown and often dangerous fate,” said Emily Christie. “We bring people and pets from a house of violence to a house of nonviolence, which is why I named the organization “Ahimsa House.”

Earlier this year during National Crime Victims’ Rights Week in April, Marsy’s Law for Georgia recognized the Georgia Office of Victim Services Director Keir Chapple and Henry County Sheriff Reginald Scandrett. Past recipients of the Marsy’s Law Champion Award include U.S. Sen. John Lewis, U.S. Sen. Reverend Raphael Warnock, Rep. Lucy McBath, 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.

View additional photos from the event here.