Houston County app lets family violence victims submit anonymous tips

Sheriff Matt Moulton says the feature allows victims to alert investigators without immediately identifying themselves or confronting an alleged abuser.

HOUSTON COUNTY, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) — Six months after launching an anonymous family violence reporting feature, the Houston County Sheriff’s Office says the app is giving victims another way to come forward without immediately identifying themselves.

“We had homicides that were active felony assaults,” Moulton said. “Fourteen of the 16 victims were a direct act of family violence. And that was an increase that we never experienced.”

Houston County Sheriff Matt Moulton says the county saw an increase in family violence cases in 2025. He says the new feature gives victims another way to report abuse and seek help.

“In Houston County, the period from July 1, 2024 to June 30, 2025, all agencies in Houston County responded to 5,888 calls of service regarding acts of family violence,” Moulton said. “July 1 of 2025 to June 30 of 2026, all agencies responded to 5,962 calls for service. So, we responded to almost 100 more calls for service.”

Moulton says one of the biggest concerns for victims is what could happen after they report an abuser, especially when it comes to retaliation.

“Retaliation’s real,” he said. “If the abuser knows their spouse has called law enforcement on them, then often times retaliation happens, and it’s more severe next time. Just because we get the tip summited doesn’t mean we go arrest somebody. What it does mean is an investigation is initiated, and if probable cause is there, then the arrest is made and the case is prosecuted.”

Moulton says he hopes more people will use the app to report family violence and help prevent future abuse.

The app gives victims another way to report abuse and connect with law enforcement. It’s available for download and was funded by the Peyton Anderson Foundation and Warren Shelby Jr.