In recognition of October's Domestic Violence Awareness Month, Marsy’s Law for Georgia proudly presented the Marsy’s Law Champion Award to Watkinsville attorney Kevin Eppsfor his unwavering dedication to advocating for victims of Marsy’s Law violations.

On Thursday, October 24, Marsy’s Law for Georgia advisory board members, Mel Hewitt, founding partner of Isenberg & Hewitt, Derek Marchman, founder of Marchman Consulting and Christine Scartz, University of Georgia School of Law, gathered in the Oconee County Courthouse to present Kevin Epps with the Champion Award.

As a founding partner at Epps, Holloway, DeLoach & Hoipkemier, Epps is an experienced litigator with a distinguished career, having tried cases in federal courts nationwide and securing over $60 million in judgments. Recently, his focus has been on representing victims of Marsy’s Law violations, ensuring their rights are upheld and their voices heard in the justice system.

"As an advocate, I have witnessed firsthand the devastating impact that crime can have on victims and their families," said Epps. "The trauma they endure is profound and the road to recovery can be long and arduous. It is our duty as a society to support victims with, to ensure that they have access to the resource and services they need to heal, and to hold perpetrators accountable for their actions."

Marsy’s Law for Georgia, a leading victims' rights advocacy organization, annually honors individuals and organizations that demonstrate outstanding commitment to supporting crime victims. This year, Kevin Epps is recognized for his tireless efforts in seeking justice for those impacted by the justice system's failures to protect victims' rights. One of the most egregious cases was when the court failed to notify a family that the charges against the father accused of raping his minor child had been dropped.

"We have been closely monitoring the Marsy’s Law violations in Oconee County with great concern," said Brad Alexander, consultant for Marsy’s Law for Georgia. "Kevin Epps took up the mantle to represent each victim who has come forward with determination to correct the wrongs that the Crime Victims Bill of Rights was supposed to protect. It’s not only an honor to present Kevin with the Marsy’s Law Champion Award but we are also thrilled to welcome him as one of our new Advisory Board Members."

Each October, organizations and advocates come together to amplify the voices and needs of domestic violence survivors. This year’s theme for Domestic Violence Awareness Month, “Heal, Hold & Center,” underscores the importance of healing, support and empowerment for those affected.

Marsy’s Law for Georgia also honored Georgia’s First Lady Marty Kemp with a Champion Award for her work with human trafficking survivors. Past recipients of the Marsy’s Law Champion Award include U.S. Senator John Lewis, former Georgia Lt. Governor Geoff Duncan, Cobb County District Attorney Flynn Broady, and Georgia State Pardon and Paroles Board Member Meg Heap. More recipients will be announced throughout the year. To nominate a crime victims’ advocate for consideration, please contact Frances Chang at [email protected].

To report or escape domestic abuse, call 1-800-33-HAVEN (1-800-334-2836).

View or download additional photos from the presentation here.