Marsy’s Law for Georgia Commemorates National Crime Victims' Rights Week with Purple Skyline and Champion Awards

Every April, Marsy’s Law for Georgia commemorates National Crime Victims’ Rights Week (NCVRW) with efforts that amplify the voices of crime victims and their loved ones. They also continue the annual tradition of enlisting businesses and landmarks throughout the state and inviting them to light up their facades with purple lights.

The 2026 purple participants are:

• The Georgia World Congress Center
• Georgia International Plaza
• The Google Building in Atlanta
• The King and Spalding building in Midtown
• The Carvana Car display in Midtown
• The Gateway85 pedestrian bridge in Norcross
• The King and Queen Buildings in Sandy Springs
• The Plaza Fountain at Avalon in Alpharetta
• Whitfield County Courthouse in Dalton
• Mercer University’s pedestrian bridge in Macon
• The Macon, Georgia Sign in downtown Macon

This year, NCVRW falls on the week of April 19–25, with the theme “Listen. Act. Advocate. Protect victims, serve communities.”

Throughout the month, Marsy’s Law for Georgia also honors key figures dedicated to protecting and advocating for victims’ rights, presenting them with a Champion Award Coin as recognition of the work they do. This year, Keir Chapple — Director of the Georgia Office of Victims Services — was the first to be presented with this award on April 6. Chapple and his office go above and beyond helping victims feel that they are not alone in their fight, regardless of where their offender is in the sentencing process.

The Georgia Office of Victims Services is one of the many resources for crime victims and their loved ones that Marsy’s Law for Georgia helps to educate communities about year-round, working to provide support especially in the post-sentencing phase. Other resource providers include the Criminal Justice Coordinating Council (CJCC), Crime Victims’ Advocacy Council (CVAC) and Prosecuting Attorneys’ Council (PAC) of Georgia.

“At the point of victimization, individuals are often navigating trauma while trying to understand what happens next,” said Dr. Rita Davis-Cannon, Marsy’s Law for Georgia advisory board member and Prosecuting Attorneys’ Council of Georgia victim services director. “Not every victim’s path will include the same systems or outcomes, but the need for support, information, and dignity remains constant. National Crime Victims’ Rights Week, and the call to Listen. Act. Advocate reminds us that every role, across every point of contact, has a responsibility to ensure victims are supported and not left to navigate this alone.”

During the week, Marsy’s Law for Georgia will also honor Henry County Sheriff Reginald Scandrett on Monday, April 20, and WSB-TV reporter Tom Jones on Tuesday, April 21, for their dedication to making sure victims are both informed and heard. Sheriff Scandrett is a seasoned law enforcement professional and a graduate of Leadership DeKalb. The Sheriff’s dedication to building relationships between law enforcement and the community is exemplified by his office’s quick adoption of the automated victim notification system, VINE. Tom Jones is an accomplished journalist with more than 30 years of reporting and more than 20 years in the metro Atlanta area covering crime and justice stories. Jones’ story coverage comes complete not only with facts, but also compassion.

“Advocating for victims comes in many shapes and forms,” says Brad Alexander, Marsy’s Law for Georgia representative. “I am excited that this year’s candidates for our Champion Award range from victim services, law enforcement, and journalism because supporting the victim isn’t just about informing them of their rights and enforcing them, but also making sure they, along with their stories, are heard.”

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.