Vision for new family violence center takes shape

SAVANNAH, GA (WTOC) -The vision for Savannah’s very own family violence center is becoming clearer, especially with the City of Savannah offering up a building off Waters Avenue to serve as a temporary site to get services off the ground.

Here, agencies like Safe Shelter, the Rape Crisis Center, along with prosecutors from the district attorney’s office and officers with Savannah Police and their recently created Family Violence Unit will be on hand to offer services.

Grants are being pursued now that will help hire on staff and a center director, and Chatham County District Attorney Meg Heap says a non-profit agency is also coming on board that will allow them to fundraiser for the family violence center.

“Other places have done studies on it, if you have to call the police, then go to the hospital, then you go down to headquarters to give a statement, you then go to Safe Shelter and then the Rape Crisis Center, we lose victims, either through recantation or influencing," said Heap. "And studies have shown that when you have a place where the victim comes and the services come to them, there’s stronger evidence, convictions and that the victims don’t recant and don’t become victims again.”

The family violence center is on the Chatham County Commission’s agenda this Friday for approval since some county resources will be used, however, without asking for any money from the county.

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