‘Jane Doe’ was locked out of her home by her children’s father. The man refused to allow her access to her children or her property. Frantic with worry, Jane called The Family Counseling Center for help. Quickly utilizing a safety plan, which included the Domestic Violence safe shelter for Jane and her children, Jane and the Domestic Violence staff worked their way through the Department of Social Services and the Family Court systems. Jane and her children now live in their own apartment and Jane utilizes the on-going Domestic Violence support group. The father resides elsewhere.

The Domestic Violence Program provides free and confidential services to all crime victims with a special emphasis on survivors of domestic violence. The goal of the program is to empower survivors, assist them in regaining control of their lives and ultimately move toward healing.

24-Hour Crisis Hotline, Safe Shelter, Advocacy, Transportation, Supportive Counseling, Support Group, Community Education and Outreach, Fulton County Domestic Violence Task Force

The newly renovated and enhanced domestic violence safe shelter is available to victims of domestic violence and their children who fear for their safety and have no other place to go for shelter. It is available for up to nine women and children and is open 24-hours a day, 365 days a year. Food, clothing and personal hygiene products are provided to all survivors upon entrance to the shelter. Safe shelter consumers are assisted with locating permanent and stable housing and employment if necessary. Safe arrangements are also made for men who are in need of safe shelter.

By speaking on behalf of victims, making appointments with various agencies, and asking questions that victims may otherwise forget or not know to ask, domestic violence program staff is able to move effectively to ensure that all victims are obtaining necessary and effective services.

Survivors may set up appointments with the domestic violence program staff for transportation for domestic violence related appointments and emergencies.

Individual supportive counseling is an integral part of the domestic violence program. Support, guidance and a ‘listening ear’ are open to all survivors, as program staff attempt to help survivors understand the individual, community and societal processes that led to the violence being committed against them, and assist them in making plans for the future.

Domestic violence support groups are conducted weekly and are attended by both residential and non-residential survivors. The support group allows the opportunity to meet with other survivors and learn about their experiences and steps toward building a new and safe household. Information and referrals, group outings, domestic violence education materials and special speakers are often features of the support groups.

Domestic violence program staff distribute domestic violence educational materials and program information throughout Fulton County businesses, agencies and schools. We also conduct community education presentations at schools and community businesses, agencies and organizations regarding the dynamics and processes of domestic violence, dating violence and stalking. Outreach booths are organized at local events and community awareness days.

The Family Counseling Center Domestic Violence Program coordinates the Fulton County Domestic Violence Task Force which is made up of representatives from criminal justice, social services, medical, employment, educational, and other human service agencies. Task Force meetings are held quarterly, where representatives are able to propose problems within various agencies and suggest solutions for change or improvement. The meetings allow agencies to work collaboratively toward educating Fulton County about domestic violence and ensuring that survivors receive the most effective and best quality services necessary for their progression to a safe and stable home environment and quality of life.