ATLANTA - During the Statewide Family Violence Conference, the Georgia Commission on Family Violence (GCFV) presented the "Moving the Work Forward Award" to the YWCA of Greater Atlanta’s Georgia Women’s Policy Institute (GWPI).

The “Moving the Work Forward Award” is presented to organizations that are innovative in their approaches and actions to ensuring that all victims of domestic violence are provided the necessary resources to live free of violence in their homes.

GWPI is a leadership, advocacy and civic engagement training for women from diverse backgrounds. GWPI Fellows meet over the course of one year for education, team building, and hands-on learning, as they work collaboratively on a policy project that impacts the lives of women and girls in Georgia. In its five successful years, a total of 80 women advocates have participated in the GWPI, forming a strong alumni network dedicated to creating positive policy change for women and girls across Georgia.

“We are honored to receive this award,” said YWCA of Greater Atlanta CEO Sharmen Gowens. “When diverse women join together to make their voices heard, we can ensure that public policies reflect the realities of our lives. Increasing women’s participation in the policy process makes measurable improvements to the health, safety, and security of women and families across Georgia,” added Gowens.

GCFV Executive Director Jennifer Thomas said, "The Georgia Commission on Family Violence is pleased to recognize the work of the YWCA of Greater Atlanta. Their efforts towards ensuring that effective and sound legislative policies are in place for women and girls across Georgia is in alignment with GCFV's work to ensure all Georgians are safe at home."

This was the Commission’s twenty-second annual Statewide Family Violence Conference. The event was held at the Jekyll Island Convention Center in Jekyll Island, Georgia. The theme of this year’s conference was “Mending the Ties that Bind: Domestic Violence and the Family Unit.” Over 500 local and national community stakeholders including: judges, prosecutors, law enforcement, advocates, survivors, faith leaders, counselors and community members participated in the conference.

About The Georgia Commission on Family Violence:

Created by the Georgia General Assembly in 1992, The Georgia Commission on Family Violence is charged with developing a comprehensive state plan for ending family violence in Georgia. If you or someone that you know is being impacted by domestic violence, call 1-800-334-2836 to speak with a domestic violence advocate.

Contact Information:


For more information, please visit gcfv.georgia.gov or contact Jennifer Thomas at [email protected]