๐ Georgia Victim Rights & Resources
If you are a survivor of abuse, crime, or professional misconduct in Georgia, this guide will help you access your legal rights, submit formal complaints, and find services funded to support your healing.
๐ซ This guide is not a substitute for legal advice. If you are in immediate danger, call 911 or reach out to a crisis hotline listed on our Support and Help page. While we strive to provide accurate, current information, laws and agency procedures may change. Always verify details directly with official sources or consult a licensed attorney in your area.
๐ Your Rights Under Georgia Law
Georgia law, including Marsyโs Law (2018), provides crime victims the right to:
- Be treated with fairness, dignity, and respect
- Be notified of proceedings and post-arrest status
- Be present and heard during court processes
- Confer with the prosecutor
- Receive restitution
๐ Georgia Crime Victims Bill of Rights โ Georgia.gov ๐ Marsyโs Law for Georgia โ Victimsโ Rights Summary
๐ Public Records & Documentation
Victims can request:
- Police and incident reports
- Court documents and transcripts
- 911 audio or body/dash cam recordings (if applicable)
๐ก Use Georgiaโs Open Records Act. Submit requests in writing, include key identifiers, and keep a copy of all communication.
๐ฅ Requesting Medical Records
You may request:
- Your own medical records
- A dependentโs records (if authorized)
- Records of a deceased person (with documentation)
๐ How to File a HIPAA Complaint
๐งโโ๏ธ Reporting Licensed Healthcare Providers
Georgia Composite Medical Board:
https://medicalboard.georgia.gov
Georgia Board of Nursing:
https://sos.ga.gov/index.php/licensing/plb/45
Georgia Board of Professional Counselors, Social Workers, and Marriage & Family Therapists:
https://sos.ga.gov/index.php/licensing/plb/43
Georgia Department of Community Health โ Healthcare Facility Complaints:
https://dch.georgia.gov
โ ๏ธ Always document the complaint process. Save copies of every submission, response, and communication.
๐ฐ Victim Compensation in Georgia
The Georgia Crime Victims Compensation Program helps with costs related to:
- Medical and dental treatment
- Mental health counseling
- Lost income or support
- Funeral expenses
- Relocation costs due to victimization
Requirements:
- Report the crime within 72 hours (unless thereโs good cause)
- File a claim within 3 years
- Cooperate with law enforcement
๐ Georgia Crime Victims Compensation Program ๐ Phone: (404) 657-2222 or 1-800-547-0060
๐ค VOCA-Funded Services in Georgia
VOCA services are administered by Georgia’s Criminal Justice Coordinating Council (CJCC).
๐ Georgia CJCC โ Victim Assistance ๐ General Info: (404) 657-1956
Survivors deserve more than silence โ they deserve support, truth, and protection.
๐ From courthouse steps to kitchen tables, Georgia survivors โ your voice is the root of real justice.