Georgia home violence advocates are urging to ask for assist

Central Georgia has several resources for those who find themselves in situations of domestic violence.

MACON, Georgia – Domestic violence can take many forms. It can be forced, repeated violence from one partner to another. People who work with victims of domestic violence want you to know that help is available.

“It’s not their fault,” said Heather Mullis, managing director of Wings Dublin.

Authorities say Tuesday night’s murder at Warner Robins is one of three homicides in the past week among family members or people living together. They included a Sandersville couple allegedly killed by the woman’s son on Saturday, and a Wilkinson County couple allegedly killed by her nephew on Sunday. Mullis says victims of domestic violence are not alone.

“Speak to an attorney and talk about his situation and some of his options,” Mullis said.

Wings provides protection and advocacy for victims of domestic violence. They help an average of 600 people a year in the seven counties they serve. Mullis says when domestic violence occurs, it can affect everyone around the victim.

“And all of these people can even get killed as part of this violent relationship,” Mullis said.

According to the Georgia Commission on Family Violence, state law enforcement responded to 42,031 incidents of family violence in 2020.

In the last year alone, Georgia’s certified domestic violence and sexual assault agencies received nearly 114,640 calls. Jamie Borman of Crisis Line and Safe House of Central Georgia says exiting domestic violence situations can be difficult.

“It can be financial, it can be children, it can be a lack of affordable housing, it can be transportation. It can be a combination of those things,” Borman said.

Borman says it’s important for people to talk about the resources available in central Georgia.

“But if we don’t share that information with other people who might not know it exists when they need it,” Borman said.

Mullis and Borman say if you see someone who may be in a violent situation, you can call local law enforcement or the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 800-799-7233.

A list of domestic violence resources can be found here.