Group weighs in on domestic violence in light of national conversation

September 9, 2014

Skyler Henry,

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – It’s a subject making national headlines, domestic violence. Middle Georgia is weighing in on abuse.

When you see pictures, it’s disturbing. Watching video, and you’re lost for words. At least that’s how Suzanne Palmer describes it.

She’s the shelter director for Crisis Line and Safe House of Central Georgia. It’s a safe haven for victims of domestic violence.

“We want someone to know that we’re always there to answer the phone and try and help do what we can,” Palmer said.

Palmer says the incident involving former Baltimore Ravens running back, Ray Rice, is terrible, but the public doesn’t see the countless victims who don’t get the attention because they’re not in the national spotlight.

“We answered over 1000 hotline calls related to domestic violence and sexual assault in the Central Georgia in 2013,” Palmer said.

The group has a 24-hour phone line where victims can call in and talk with representatives.

“Abuse can happen at anytime. It can happen at the middle of the day. It can happen at 2 in the morning,” she said.

Palmer says it’s important for victims to build up a support system, whether it be a relative, friend, or person in the community.

“It has to start somewhere, but we want to make sure that they’re receiving all of the services they need to help them get through this process,” she said.

She says abuse doesn’t have to be physical.

“We are trying to help any victim of domestic violence,” Palmer said.

Victims often make calls to the safe house for verbal abuse even financial strong holding, and she adds it’s important to be proactive and plan a proper escape strategy for those who are abused.

Palmer also points out, men not only women, are subject to domestic abuse, and she urges anyone who feels like they may have an issue to call the hotline at 478-745-9292.

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