The District Attorney’s office in Chatham County is supposed to serve and protect victims of crime. But under the leadership of DA Shalena Cook Jones, many survivors say they’ve been ignored, dismissed, or retraumatized by the very system meant to support them.

For years, victims — especially local women — have raised concerns about mismanagement, delays, and outright mistreatment from staff in the DA’s victim advocacy unit. Only when a high-profile complaint by a male tourist gained media attention did DA Cook Jones take public action, admitting fault and firing an employee.

But local victims say this was not an isolated incident. They report years of unanswered emails, calls for help ignored, and even public shaming when they tried to hold the office accountable. One victim says she wasn’t even notified about a hearing involving the man on probation for stalking her — a violation of basic victims’ rights.

Even more troubling, DA Cook Jones reportedly responded to public criticism by insulting a victim online and minimizing her trauma.

This isn’t just unprofessional. It’s dangerous. And it sends a clear message to survivors: unless your case makes headlines, you might not be heard at all.

We are calling on the Georgia State Bar, the Chatham County Commission, and the Georgia Prosecuting Attorneys’ Council to immediately launch an independent review of the DA’s victim advocacy policies and staff conduct. Survivors deserve to be taken seriously — not shamed, ignored, or left in the dark.

Sign if you believe Savannah’s justice system should protect all victims — not silence them. Add your name to call for real accountability now.