New app feature lets people report family violence anonymously
Houston County Sheriff Matt Moulton says the feature was created after 14 of the county’s 16 homicide victims last year were tied to family violence
HOUSTON COUNTY, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – A new family violence reporting feature in the Macon Regional Crimestoppers App is giving people a secure and anonymous way to submit tips to law enforcement.
On Thursday, the Houston County Sheriff’s Office held a joint news conference with several counties announcing the release of the app’s new family violence tip reporting section.
Houston County Sheriff Matt Moulton says it will provide citizens with a secure and anonymous way to report acts of family violence.
“Of the 16 homicides [in 2025], 14 of the 16 victims was a direct act of family,” he said. “That’s something I’ve never experienced in my 30-year career.”
Moulton says family violence is often a crime that happens in the privacy of homes behind closed doors.
“And it would be impossible for any law enforcement leader to put an officer or deputy in every home to ensure that type of violence doesn’t happen,” he said.
Warren Selby, the founder and director of Macon Regional Crimestoppers, says the app was designed for those who are afraid to provide information for fear of their life.
“Because family violence is very personal,” he said. “A lot of information on crime a lot of time intimidates people; they’re afraid who do I give it to, what do I do, and where do I go. So, we have developed several items that we created to help educate the public.”
Sheriff Moulton says the app is already making a difference.
“After we started doing the PSAs and the posters, they had a family violence incident, and the victim made the comment that she didn’t know who to call, and would not have known, if she hadn’t seen the video on the news, so it’s making a difference,” he said.
The app is free to download, and once opened, the first complaint selection is family violence. Once you’ve made a complaint, you’re kept completely anonymous for your safety.
The sheriff’s office says complaints are anonymous, except for the “call 911” tab. Once 911 is dialed, you’re outside of the Crimestoppers program.
