Who Is CVAC?

CVAC is a 35-year-old, non-profit organization that offers free services to victims of all types of crime from any Georgia county or other state.  No victims are turned away, and we at CVAC do our best to provide whatever the victim may need.

CVAC’s services include, but are not limited to: 

• A 24-hour hotline with available personnel to assist victims at any time.
• Assistance with, and information regarding, the Criminal Justice System (e.g. police, detectives, court, etc.) which includes, among other things, help filing temporary restraining orders, and court accompaniment if needed.  CVAC also works hand-in-hand to assist criminal justice victim personnel.
• Assistance with the creation of Victim Impact Statements containing information about how victims are affected emotionally, psychologically, financially, etc. by the crime.  These are read to the Court at the time of sentencing and follow a perpetrator through the criminal justice system.
• Information regarding statutory Crime Victim Rights in the State of Georgia.  These rights help empower victims after suffering from a crime. 
• Assistance with applying for, and information about, the Victim Compensation Program for Georgia (which helps cover medical, psychological and funeral expenses among other things). 
• Information on managing life issues such as grief, stress, self care, PTSD, and what happens to the mind and body after a crime. 
• Support groups and one-on-one consultation in person or online.  CVAC can implement and terminate groups as needed.  For example, if there were a crime event involving a number of people, CVAC can provide a support group for as long as necessary.  CVAC currently offers multiple support groups for crime survivors each week via a Zoom meeting.  This online support has been well received because folks don’t have to drive to and from the meeting which negates distance and makes attendance easier.  People come and go from groups as needed – they may come to group right after victimization, then stop coming as they proceed with their lives or they may return to groups when there is a new development in their case or a court date comes up. 
• Providing child care while attending groups, transportation to court and doctors’ appointments when needed, hospital visits, and more. 
• Referrals to other victim and non-victim service providers (shelters, attorneys, medical services, etc.). 
• Informational seminars and online videos regarding issues related to crime victims. 
• Newsletters with valuable information for both victims and service providers. 
• An annual memorial service for people who have lost loved ones to homicide.  This year will be CVAC’s 34th Annual Memorial Service for Survivors of Homicide Victims. 
• A pastoral care division available to work with victims’ spiritual needs.