the basics
GCADV advocates for improvements in those systems which respond to domestic violence victims and offenders. GCADV does this by engaging in legislative and public policy advocacy within the Georgia General Assembly, with domestic violence services funders, and with other policy-making bodies to ensure that the interests and rights of domestic violence survivors are protected and upheld.
Working together with its statewide partners, GCADV has had several public policy accomplishments over the last few years, including the following:
2022
HB 234, The Dating Violence Bill extended the lookback period from 6 months to 1 year for victims of dating violence to seek a Temporary Protective Order.
2021
HB 234, The Dating Violence Bill allows victims of dating violence to seek a Temporary Protective Order.
2020
SB 447, Predominant Aggressor Bill looks at the predominant aggressor rather than a primary aggressor.
2019
HB 228, raised GA's marriage minimum from 16 years old to 17 years old.
2018
HB 834, allows victims of DV to terminate their lease without penalty. In 2021, SB 75 extended this same benefit to victims of stalking.
2017
HB 279, allows victims of DV to file for a legal name change for themselves and their children.
2016
HB 827, which establishes a protocol for handling and submission of rape kits to the GBI.
2015
HB 117, which extends eligibility for the receipt of unemployment benefits to victims of domestic violence.
stand with survivors day
Stand With Survivors Day (SWSD) is an annual advocacy day. SWSD is an opportunity for concerned Georgians from across the state to demand attention be paid to victims of domestic violence, ensure services are not impacted through budget cuts, and communicate the need for the state to be involved and vigilant in the quest to end domestic and sexual violence. Look out for information on the next SWSD.
LEGISLATIVE PRIORITES
Address Confidentiality
As a part of a comprehensive safety plan, an address confidentiality program provides survivors who have recently relocated with a substitute address because they fear future harm.
Safe Time Off
This bill would require employers to allow survivors to take time away from work to attend to the consequences of abuse including obtaining judicial or legal assistance, counseling, meeting with a domestic or sexual violence program or change residence.
Increase in State Allocation for DV Shelters
An increase in the state's allocation for certified Domestic Violence shelters would bring the state's allocation up from 30% to 50% and off-set VOCA cuts over the next 2-3 years
state level public policy work
- Find your state legislators here.
- View our In-Session Newsletters for the latest news on what’s going on at the Georgia State Capitol.
- For Family Violence: Georgia Statistics & Trends click here. (GCFV, 2023)
- Want to meet with your state legislators, but not quite sure what to expect? Confused about the legislative process? We’ve got you covered! Check out our videos!
- How a Bill is Passed in the Georgia Legislature.
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about legislative advocacy.
LEGISLATIVE PRIORITES
federal level public policy work
Find your Members of Congress HERE.
There are several policy issues being deliberated that directly affect survivors of domestic violence and their children. Please take time to contact your members of Congress with the following messages:
- Fund targeted investments for the Family Violence Prevention and Services Act and related key programs at Health and Human Services.
- Release additional funds from the Victims of Crime Act Fund (VOCA)
- Fund targeted investments in the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) including Services, Training, Officers and Prosecutors (STOP) state formula grant program, Civil Legal Assistance for Victims program, Services for Rural Victims grant program, Transitional Housing grant program, and the Sexual Assault Services Program.
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Sign up to receive GCADV’s public policy alerts and other news via email by emailing GCADV's Public Policy Director, Karimah Dillard at kdillard@gcadv.org