Aaron M. Adelson- WLOS ABC News 13- Buncombe County is getting help to pay for a new facility to help domestic violence victims. The county will get grants from the state and federal government totaling about $2 million.
The Family Justice Center will be a one-stop-shop for victims. In the same building, they can see a nurse, counselor, law enforcement, and get help for their kids. Currently victims needs to talk to 21 people in 8 places.
Purple symbolizes domestic violence. “I think we’re going to change the landscape for victims of domestic violence in Buncombe County,” said Julie Klipp Nicholson, who will run the Family Justice Center.
In spring 2016 the center will open on Woodfin Street in Asheville. Buncombe County estimates it has more than 3,000 domestic violence victims a year.
“Children are being traumatized by witnessing violence in their homes,” said Nicholson. She says a collaborative effort will keep victims safe and give them justice. The DA’s office will have a special domestic violence prosecution unit.
In 2013, Buncombe County had the third most domestic violence homicides in North Carolina; however, since 2014 none of the murders were between couples.
“When it comes to intimate-partner-domestic-violence-homicides what we found out were those things are very much predictable and therefore hopefully preventable,” said Van Duncan, Buncombe County Sheriff.
When law enforcement responds to a call from a couple officers now provide a risk assessment for the victim. This started in May, 2015 and officers have already completed 351. Duncan says these help to predict and therefore prevent domestic violence. “it’s just not right,” said one woman.
People gathered Thursday night for a domestic violence victims vigil. Asheville City Hall is colored purple, letting victims know they’re not alone.
View original article here: Defeating Domestic Violence; New Solution Coming Soon To Buncombe County.