Fayette Factor is a respected local organization which brings together a wide range of members of our community monthly to address topics of interest, especially regarding families and our youth. Last month, in recognition of Domestic Violence Awareness Month, Fayette Factor zeroed in on the topic of the safety of our children.
Lynne Green of Promise Place, a 501-c-3 non-profit, presented. Ms. Green, their Domestic Violence Crisis Counselor, addressed critical aspects of teen dating and domestic violence, highlighting warning signs of unhealthy relationships and various types of abuse, including physical, emotional, and verbal. She provided valuable insights to support our diverse community.
Promise Place (incorporated as the Fayette County Council on Domestic Violence) was started nearly four decades ago to address the growing issue of domestic abuse. Its mission statement is to “help prevent domestic violence through awareness, education, and providing safety for victims and their families”.
Serving the Griffin Judicial District, Promise Place assists nearly 3,000 people annually who are victims of domestic abuse, a major problem that few want to openly discuss. It may surprise you to know that 25% of American women have suffered some form of domestic violence. So have 1 in every 7 men. As Ashley Williams, Executive Director, stated- “It is only through collaborative partnerships and community involvement and support that we can combat domestic violence in our community. Promise Place is not only where domestic violence ends, but also where victims become Survivors.”
Promise Place has a 24 hour, 7 days a week crisis line (1-770-460-1604). Victims will receive a comprehensive array of services, including emergency shelter, legal advocacy, and relocation assistance. They will also receive counseling and access to weekly support groups consisting of people in a similar situation.
In partnership with our public school system, Promise Place also has a Teen Dating Violence Prevention Program which is used in our middle schools and high schools, reaching approximately 6,000 students.
Further, the organization does training for law enforcement in how to handle domestic violence cases. Promise Place also does workshops for businesses and communities on this topic.
As with many of our local not for profit organizations, they need additional support and volunteers. These volunteers can be utilized in a wide variety of ways, including answering the Crisis Hot Line, helping with events, general administrative duties, childcare for mothers attending Support Group sessions, and making presentations about Promise Place services. You can volunteer by going to volunteer@promiseplace.org or by calling: (770) 461-3839 X 165 or (770) 460-6591.
Promise Place also accepts donations, which are tax deductible. To make a donation online or volunteer, go on-line to www.promiseplace.org or call 770-461-3839.
