ATLANTA- The Georgia Commission on Family Violence (GCFV) presented its “Task Force Member of the Year Award” to Vicki de Martinez of the Mountain Judicial Circuit Family Violence Task Force at the Commission’s Statewide Family Violence Conference.

Mrs. de Martinez said, “I was surprised, honored and humbled to be named the recipient of this year's ‘Task Force Member of the Year Award.’ By using a coordinated community response approach, we are able to make systematic changes that would be very difficult for just one agency. In the work to end domestic violence, it takes all of us. We do this work not for the recognition, but for the hope that someday we will have created safer communities for all Georgians.” She added, “I dedicate this to the memory of all victims of domestic violence and to the honor of all survivors.”

GCFV Executive Director Jennifer Thomas said, "The GCFV is pleased to recognize the work of Vicki de Martinez with our Task Force Member of Year Award. As the former Chair of the Mountain Judicial Circuit Family Violence Task Force, Mrs. de Martinez led a group of community volunteers dedicated to ensuring victim safety and offender accountability. In Mrs. de Martinez, victims of family violence in northeast Georgia have an ally in their efforts to live lives free from violence and for that we are appreciative of her efforts."

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]