FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
 August 25, 2025

JEKYLL ISLAND, GA – The Georgia Commission on Family Violence (GCFV) proudly announces Karimah Dillard as a 2025 Moving the Work Forward Award recipient. The honor was presented at the 31st GCFV Statewide Conference in Jekyll Island, recognizing Dillard’s extraordinary leadership, innovation, and tireless advocacy for survivors across Georgia.

Karimah Dillard currently serves as the Director of Policy at the Georgia Coalition Against Domestic Violence (GCADV), where she leads legislative and policy initiatives that center survivor voices and advance justice for those impacted by domestic violence. Her work has been instrumental in passing several groundbreaking laws in Georgia, including the creation of the state’s first Address Confidentiality Program, legal protections for pets in protective orders, and the expansion of protective orders to include victims of dating violence.

In accepting the award, Dillard shared:

“I am deeply humbled and honored to receive the Gender Justice Award from the Georgia Commission on Family Violence. This recognition is especially meaningful to me as someone who believes that all survivors of domestic violence have the right to access the resources, protections, and justice they deserve. As Policy Director for GCADV, I have the privilege of working alongside courageous survivors, dedicated advocates, and committed lawmakers who strive together to create innovative and lasting policy solutions that prioritize safety, equity, and dignity for all survivors.”

In addition to her work at the state level, Dillard serves as Chair of the Public Policy Committee for the National Network to End Domestic Violence and sits on the National Prevention Council, where she collaborates with advocates from across the country to shape a comprehensive national prevention strategy. Her contributions to the field of domestic violence prevention are both local and national in scope, and consistently grounded in a commitment to equity and survivor-centered change.

“Karimah Dillard represents the future of the movement to end domestic violence in Georgia and beyond,” said GCFV Chair Judge Paige Whitaker. “Her visionary leadership, deep understanding of survivor needs, and dedication to policy change have helped move our state closer to safety and justice for all. Karimah brings both heart and strategy to her work, and the Commission is honored to recognize her with this well-deserved award.”

Before her policy work, Dillard worked as a drama therapist in a behavioral health hospital in West Georgia for over a decade. She later became an advocate at Raksha, Inc., where she supported survivors through direct services. Today, in addition to her policy leadership, she serves as part-time faculty at Georgia State University’s School of Social Work. 

The Moving the Work Forward award honors individuals and organizations who demonstrate bold innovation, outstanding vision, and a deep commitment to safety, justice, and equity for survivors. Karimah Dillard exemplifies these values, and her work continues to shape a more just and inclusive Georgia.

Contact:
 Georgia Commission on Family Violence
 Email: [email protected]
 Website: www.gcfv.georgia.gov