FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
 August 25, 2025

JEKYLL ISLAND, GA – The Georgia Commission on Family Violence (GCFV) proudly announces Kristin Couch, LMSW, as the 2025 Task Force Member of the Year Award recipient. This honor was presented at the 31st GCFV Statewide Conference in Jekyll Island, recognizing Couch’s exceptional leadership, deep personal commitment, and unwavering advocacy in the fight to end domestic violence in Georgia.

A seasoned advocate with over a decade of experience in the domestic violence field, Kristin serves as the Associate Director in the Title IX & Compliance Office at Spelman College, where she manages institutional response and training on gender-based violence and discrimination. Outside of her work in higher education, she plays a vital role in the broader community, co-chairing the Fulton County Family Violence Task Force, serving as a State Expert Committee member with the Criminal Justice Coordinating Council (CJCC), and offering her expertise to the advisory board of Respect Together.

“Kristin Couch is a force within Georgia’s family violence prevention community,” said GCFV Chair Judge Paige Whitaker. “Her leadership within the Fulton County Family Violence Task Force, her dedication to survivor-centered approaches, and her ability to integrate personal conviction with professional excellence make her a true role model. She doesn’t just participate—she leads, mentors, and builds collaborations that make our communities safer.”

Kristin has been an active and committed Fulton County Family Violence Task Force member for many years, holding several leadership positions and participating in critical fatality review committees. Her contributions reflect what the Task Force Member of the Year Award seeks to honor: someone who consistently goes beyond the call of duty to support survivors, foster coordinated community responses, and advance justice.

In accepting the award, Kristin shared a deeply personal reflection:

“My mom used to tell me I got into this field because of her. I used to argue and say that it wasn’t, but Mom knew best. She knew her daughter well because I’m starting to accept that she was right.

I lost my mom, Sonya, earlier this year. My aunt, Wyonda, and my mom were sisters and the best of friends. Wyonda supported me as I made hard decisions and held my mom’s hand as she transitioned. Sadly, Wyonda died three days later as a result of domestic violence. Her name will be listed this year during candlelight vigils in October when Advocates read the names of those we lost.

Accepting this award means recommitting myself to ending violence against women, especially Black and Brown women, but ultimately all women. It means honoring my cousin, Ebony, who was and still is an Advocate for her mom, Wyonda. It is a reminder that the personal is political, and whatever is happening to one of us can happen to any of us. Lastly, it means Sonya and Wyonda can be known as heroes and will be remembered as such.

Thank you to the Georgia Commission on Family Violence.”

Kristin’s work in advocacy, education, and systems change exemplifies the values of the Task Force Member of the Year Award: dedication, innovation, and a commitment to survivor autonomy and justice. Her personal and professional impact continues to shape the future of domestic violence prevention in Georgia.

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