Office of Victim Witness Assistance Tifton Judicial Circuit

04/24/2026

Wednesday was Administrative Assistant Appreciation Day. Mandy Vassey Thomas We appreciate you every day for all that you do to keep our side of the hall running smooth. Mandy is the voice and the face for those who call or stop by the Office of Victim Witness Assistance. She has also recently taken on the added responsibility of assisting Tift County crime victims with Crime Victim Compensation applications. We are fortunate to have her as part of our team.

04/21/2026

Victim Impact Statements are given during sentencing phases after a trial or negotiated plea. It gives the victims or their families an opportunity to tell the court how the actions of an offender have affected their lives and to give their opinion on sentencing.

This is one of the most important rights victims have in the criminal judicial process. It is often a time for a loved one to provide a voice for those who have been permanently silenced.

46 likes, 16 comments. "Tara Grinstead's stepmother speaks at Ryan Duke's sentencing hearing"

04/21/2026

To my fellow victim advocates...

Sometimes the best thing you can do for victims is just Listen. If you feel like you cannot do anything else, you can always do that. Being heard is BIG. Do not underestimate the value of being that listening ear.

Let them know you hear them. Act on what you can and always advocate 💙🩵

**If you are a victim of crime, contact your local Office of Victim Witness Assistance for information about your rights in the criminal judicial process.

04/17/2026

Our prosecution based victim advocacy program is here to Listen, Act, and Advocate for victims of crime in the Tifton Judicial Circuit. We are here to serve those whose cases are being prosecuted by our District Attorney's Office. If you have questions about the criminal justice process or your rights as a victim of crime, please call our office at 229-386-7903 and ask to speak with an advocate.

04/04/2026