Former Judge Assumes Helm of Organization Against Domestic Violence

Spelman College

A former Clayton County judge is now in charge of the state’s largest nonprofit organization dedicated to providing shelter and support for victims of domestic violence.

Former Judge Daphne Walker started her first day as president and CEO of the Partnership Against Domestic Violence on Monday.

Walker took the position after 15 years of working with victims of domestic violence as a judge, a prosecutor and in her own private practice. 

“It was based upon my daily observation of the need of services and programs that would empower women and children to be self-sufficient and encourage me to apply for the position, and I’m now glad I have the opportunity to work first hand to provide those services for women and children.”

Walker says one of her main goals is to raise awareness about the issue.

“Because what we do know is there are real effects when we don’t address domestic violence, whether it’s the children who witness it and when it spills into the workplace, where that person’s perpetrator comes into the workplace and God forbid does some type of violence to people in the workplace.”

She also plans to seek more state and private funding for the organization.

“I think the biggest thing is making sure statewide funding is not cut, because that would greatly impact our ability to provide shelter services.”

Walker says she also wants to renovate the organization’s Fulton County shelter. The renovation would add more beds and upgrade the current facility.