Victim Advocacy
The goal of the Crime Victim Advocate is to be a guiding hand to individuals through the criminal justice system and the investigative process. The Crime Victim Advocate is a liaison between law enforcement, victims, witnesses, and community resources.
This role provides follow up services to victims of person-to-person crimes. Some of these services can include providing case updates on investigations, safety planning, referrals to community resources and accompanying victims to forensic interviews, sexual assault exams, and/or court hearings.
Please see below for additional information on available resources for those impacted by crime.
Georgia Crime Victim Bill of Rights
(O.C.G.A. 17-17-1, et seq.)
These rights include, but are not limited to:
- The right to be treated fairly and with dignity by the criminal justice system.
- The right to reasonable, accurate, and timely notice of the arrest, release, or escape of the accused.
- The right to reasonable, accurate, and timely notice of any scheduled court proceedings.
- The right not to be excluded from scheduled court proceedings involving the alleged act.
- The right to be heard at any scheduled court proceedings involving the release, plea, or sentencing of the accused.
- The right to be informed of all rights included within the Georgia Crime Victims Bill of Rights.
- The right to restitution and compensation as provided by law.
It is the responsibility of any victim who desires notification to keep all criminal justice agencies informed of current contact information.
Georgia Crime Victim Compensation Program
The Georgia Crime Victims Compensation Program eases the financial burden faced by victims and witnesses of violent crimes by potentially covering costs related to medical, funeral, counseling and crime scene sanitization expenses that are incurred because of the crime.
Most Common Compensable Crimes
Child Abuse, Domestic Violence, Sexual Offenses, Homicide, Hit-and-Run, Serious Injury by Vehicle, DUI Crashes, Assault/Battery, and Robbery
Types of Expenses Covered
Medical Expenses: up to $15,000
Counseling Expenses: up to $3,000
Economic Support Expenses: up to $20,000
Funeral Expenses: up to $6,000
Crime Scene Sanitization: up to $1,500
For more information and to apply online: www.CrimeVictimsComp.ga.gov
Temporary Protective Order (TPO)
Cobb County TPO Office: 770-528-8024
Monday- Friday 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
32 Waddell Street, Marietta, GA 30064
Building D, Fourth Floor, Room 402
First come first serve, no appointments
A TPO is a legal document issued by the court to help victims obtain protection from persons abusing or stalking them. This order will generally state that one person is prohibited from having contact with another person. There are three types of protection orders: Family Violence, Stalking and Dating Violence. For more information on the qualifications for a TPO, contact the Cobb County TPO Office.
You must file the TPO is the county where the offender resides.
*Please be advised there are two hearings per day in Cobb County in which a Judge will meet victims to either grant or deny emergency orders. It is suggested to arrive as early as possible for the best chance of seeing the Judge the same day. Please be advised the process may take a minimum of three hours to complete.
Identity Theft
Identity theft occurs when someone uses another person's personal information such as name, Social Security number, driver's license number, credit card number, or other identifying information to take on that person's identity to commit fraud or other crimes.
If your identity is stolen:
- File a police report with the local law enforcement agency where you reside.
- Contact Credit Report Agencies. Ask that a “fraud alert” be placed on your file. A “credit freeze” can also be requested through the credit bureaus.
- Contact Banking and Credit Card Companies. For any accounts that have been fraudulently accessed or opened, contact the security departments of the appropriate creditors or financial institutions.
- Repot identity theft to the Federal Trade Commission. gov can help report and recover from identity theft through the creation of a recovery plan.
Community Resources
The organizations below offer a range of services and support to those impacted by crime.
Cobb County District Attorney’s Office (for victims of felony crimes): 770-528-3047
Cobb County Solicitor General’s Office (for victims of misdemeanor crimes): 770-528-8500
Cobb County Sheriff’s Office: 770-499-4600
Georgia Crisis and Access Line (GCAL): 1-800-715-4225
LiveSafe Resources 24-Hour Crisis Line (Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault and Elder Abuse): 770-427-3390
SafePath Children’s Advocacy Center: 770-801-3465
The Acworth Police Department Crime Victim Advocate is also available to talk with you and answer any questions. Please contact 678-695-7602 or fill out the form below.
If this is an emergency, please dial 911. The below form is not monitored 24/7.