Marsy’s Law for Georgia Honors University of West Georgia Criminology Professors with Champion Awards

In honor of Domestic Violence Awareness Month, Marsy’s Law for Georgia is pleased to bestow Marsy’s Law Champion Awards to University of West Georgia (UWG) professors, Drs. Anthony Fleming, Mai Naito Mills, Lynn Pazzani (now residing in the UK), and Brittani McNeal (now with Middle Georgia State University) for their contributions in creating the UWG’s Victim Services Certification Program.

Each year, Marsy’s Law for Georgia recognizes individuals or organizations that demonstrate outstanding commitment to advancing victims’ rights. Due to UWG’s new certification program and its focus on supporting victims, MLGA chose Domestic Violence Awareness Month to honor the profound impact Drs. Fleming and McNeal, Mills and Pazzani have had on students — and the compassion and insight those students will carry forward as future victim advocates.

This groundbreaking certification is a collaborative initiative between the University of West Georgia and the Prosecuting Attorneys’ Council of Georgia (PAC) Victim Services Committee. The program is designed to enhance the professional development of future crime victim advocates and expand the number of skilled, compassionate professionals entering the criminal justice field with a trauma-informed, survivor-centered approach to supporting victims of crime.

“This celebration honors the innovation, leadership, and shared commitment to improving system-based victim services across Georgia. We look forward to recognizing this milestone with our partners, colleagues, and the broader community,” said Dr. Rita Davis-Cannon, PAC Victim Assistance Division Director, Marsy’s Law for Georgia advisory board member, and certification program co-creator.

Since its inception in 1987 and official congressional designation in 1989, October has been observed as Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM). This year’s theme, “With Survivors, Always,” highlights the importance of standing in solidarity with survivors and deepening public understanding of the far-reaching effects of domestic violence.

“I am deeply proud of Drs. Fleming, McNeal, Mills, and Pazzani for their initiative in creating this program with the Prosecuting Attorneys’ Council of Georgia,” said Dr. Michael Johnson, president of the University of West Georgia. “Their work exemplifies the highest standards of academic excellence and civic engagement, and we are honored to celebrate their contributions and the impact they will continue to make in our communities.”

Cherokee County Solicitor General and Chair of PAC’s Victim Services Committee, Todd Hayes, and PAC Executive Director, Pete Skandalakis, were also in attendance during the October 28 event and offered words of appreciation, encouragement, and support for the program and students who have completed the inaugural certification.

Past recipients of the Marsy’s Law Champion Award include U.S. Representative Lucy McBath (GA-06), U.S. Sen. John Lewis, U.S. Sen. Reverend Raphael Warnock, 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.