The Northwest Georgia Family Crisis Center has been serving victims of domestic violence for 45 years by providing safe shelter, advocacy and support to victims of domestic violence. Center staff are committed to changing attitudes, beliefs and behaviors within the community through education and outreach.
October is National Domestic Violence Awareness Month and the center has several events planned to engage and educate members of the community, promote awareness and raise funds to continue its vital work.
Board of Directors President Jason Yarbrough emphasizes the importance of understanding the issues surrounding domestic violence: “I was talking with a guy a few months ago, who said, ‘I don’t know what I don’t know.’ I informed him that many people are unaware of domestic violence, either because they haven’t been told or have chosen not to listen. I encourage everyone to educate themselves and find out how they can support domestic violence awareness and prevention in their community.”
Center staff invite members of the community to join them at any of the center’s events.
From Oct. 7-11 visit Burr Park in downtown Dalton to experience the impactful Clothesline Project. Each shirt in this exhibit symbolizes the pain, hope and resilience of a victim or honors someone who lost their life to domestic violence.
On Tuesday, Oct. 22, join center staff at Dalton State College’s Bell Tower for the center’s 13th Annual Walk a Mile in Her Shoes, hosted by the Lambda Alpha Epsilon fraternity. Men are invited to walk a mile in women’s high-heeled shoes, fostering insight and awareness. Participants of all genders are encouraged to join this powerful show of solidarity. There will be a contest for the best shoes and other exciting activities. Registration will begin at 11:30 a.m. and the walk begins at noon.
National Wear Purple Day will take place on Thursday, Oct. 24. Show your support by wearing purple and snapping a photo to share on Facebook by tagging the center to help spread the word. One lucky group will win breakfast. This is a simple yet powerful way to help #BreakTheSilence.
Join center staff at Chatsworth City Park on Friday, Oct. 25, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. for Resource and Chill-I, a tailgating event filled with delicious chili, networking and community resources. It’s a great opportunity to connect with local services and show appreciation for the center’s community partners. For questions, call the Murray County Domestic Violence Outreach Office at (706) 695-5587.
Katora Printup, the center’s executive director, said community involvement is the most important tool in keeping families safe.
Here are just a few of the things people can do to support survivors of domestic violence.
Know the facts. Learn the myths surrounding family violence and work to educate others. Invite center staff to speak at your next civic, church or community meeting.
Know the available community resources. The center offers a 24-hour hotline (706-278-5586), confidential emergency shelter and outreach services. All support services are available free to the survivor.
Be a safe friend. Provide information and support to survivors. Your nonjudgmental support is paramount.
Volunteer/donate. Invest in the community by donating your time and resources to help the center end domestic violence in the area.
Seek support. If you or someone you love is a victim of domestic violence, please seek help. You can call the center’s 24-hour hotline at (706) 278-5586 or 800-33-HAVEN.
Together, we can make a difference in the life of domestic violence victims. Center staff hope to see members of the community at these events and encourage everyone in the community to support the center’s mission.
For more information or to get involved with the center, please visit nwgafcc.com or call the center at (706) 278-6595.
Submitted by the Northwest Georgia Family Crisis Center.