FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
 August 25, 2025

JEKYLL ISLAND, GA – The Georgia Commission on Family Violence (GCFV) is proud to announce Sharla D. Jackson, Esq. as a recipient of the 2025 Moving the Work Forward Award, presented at the 31st GCFV Statewide Conference. A nationally recognized leader in domestic violence prevention, Sharla was honored for her visionary, collaborative, and deeply impactful work to protect and empower survivors across Georgia.

Sharla Jackson currently serves as Director of the Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Resource Program at the Prosecuting Attorneys’ Council of Georgia, where she leads statewide training initiatives for prosecutors, law enforcement, and victim advocates. A former prosecutor with decades of experience, Sharla has spent her career advancing justice for survivors through innovation, education, and systems-level change.

"Sharla Jackson stands out as a powerful and tireless champion for victims of domestic violence," said GCFV Chair Judge Paige Whitaker. “Sharla not only trains the professionals who respond to violence—she transforms the way they think about and serve survivors. Through her efforts, vision, and commitment, she has transformed how communities across Georgia—and beyond—respond to and support survivors of domestic violence. This award is long overdue, and we are thrilled to honor her leadership.”

One of Sharla’s most groundbreaking initiatives is the Georgia Anti-Stalking Workgroup, which she co-founded in response to the increased isolation and danger experienced by victims during and beyond the COVID-19 pandemic. The first of its kind in the nation, this workgroup improves the statewide response to stalking by identifying service gaps, offering multidisciplinary training, and establishing best practices. The U.S. Department of Justice recognized the group as a national model.

Sharla is also the creator of the Court School for Advocates program, a unique initiative that equips victim advocates with the practical skills and legal knowledge they need to support survivors during the court process effectively.

Her impact extends within Georgia and beyond. She serves on the End Violence Against Women International and the Georgia Crime Victims’ Compensation Board boards, and she has developed and led programs for institutions including the Atlanta Police Department, the National Retail Federation, and the Atlanta Hawks. In accepting the award, Sharla shared:

“I am deeply grateful to the Georgia Commission for this honor. I proudly accept this award on behalf of the Prosecuting Attorneys’ Council, our dedicated community partners—including Raksha Inc., Georgia Legal Services—and the many organizations we collaborate with across the state to strengthen the response to domestic violence.

My guiding principle in this work is simple but powerful: everyone deserves to live in a safe home, free from intimate partner violence and stalking. This award is a testament to what we've accomplished together and an inspiration to keep pushing forward. We remain committed to ensuring that survivors and their families are well supported in their pursuit of safety, justice, and healing.”

The Moving the Work Forward Award honors individuals or organizations that demonstrate innovation, collaboration, and a lasting commitment to building safer communities. Sharla Jackson exemplifies these qualities through her dedication to survivor-centered justice and systemic change.

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