The Georgia Crime Victims Bill of Rights, enacted to recognize victims’ basic rights and to require the city to commit resources to address the needs of crime victims, gave way to the city’s first Victim Witness Assistance Program (VWAP) in 1984. Established by the Metropolitan Atlanta Crime Commission, VWAP became a trusted resource of comprehensive services to assist victims and witnesses of crime through the Atlanta Municipal Court System, strengthen families and foster healthy transition from victim to survivor.

In 2005, Atlanta Victim Assistance, Inc. emerged as an independent organization, operating as a 501(C)3 non-profit, advocating for the fundamental rights of victims and witnesses of crime. Since then, AVA has partnered with the Atlanta Police Department to expand its reach and provide more hands-on services, such as crisis intervention at the scene of the crime, support groups for survivors and victims of homicide and domestic violence, education on the criminal justice process, and response to a 24-hour help line. AVA advocates work directly in the police zones, responding to calls, assessing victims’ needs, and providing pre-case intervention and follow-up. Placing advocates in the zones also facilitates our community outreach efforts, which include providing awareness and education programs to neighborhood associations, schools, and in the immigrant population.

Our History