By Scott Harper
sharper@gtowntimes.com
The problem of domestic violence is getting worse by the year in Georgetown County.
One of the reasons is because victims are not seeking the help they need and are choosing to stay in abusive relationships.
In recent years, names such as Laura Ling, Carma Russell, Sheila McPherson have made headlines along the Grand Strand because they were murdered as a result of being involved in a violent relationship.
If there had been a centralized location for these women to get all the help they needed, there is a possibility they would still be alive today.
That's why the Safe Families Initiative Inc. (SFI) is about to kick off plans to build such a facility on Georgetown County. Right now, South Carolina ranks 6th in the nation with the worst domestic violence record, a statistic SFI is hoping to change.
SFI President Gillian Roy says the plans are to build the Waccamaw Family Justice Center in Georgetown County. It will be a "one-stop shop"" offering education and intervention programs. It will be modeled through the guidance of the those who created the first family justice center in the United States.
In 2003, Casey Gwinn and Gael Strack co-founded the San Diego Family Justice Center, the first of its kind.
SEE CENTER, Page 4A
Since the center's inception the family justice center trend has spread nationally and internationally. President George W. Bush allotted $20 million in 2003 to build 15 similar centers in the United States. There and now 25 to 30 centers nationally.
At an event in October, organizers said the new center will "wrap victims in support," and break the cycle of family violence. The center will provide convenient, effective and efficient services to victims (which includes the children and pets), of familial violence, and to create effective education and intervention tools, programs and protocols, through creative community partnerships.
SFI has created a partnership that includes all four Georgetown law enforcement agencies, Georgetown Department of Social Services, CASA, and the 15th Circuit Solicitor's Office. Other agencies have already committed to join this partnership in creating the WFJC. Working together they will discover solutions enabling them to coordinate their services more efficiently and effectively.
These organizations will meet on Monday and Tuesday to discuss the plans on how to make the center a reality.
For answers to questions about SFI or to make a contribution, call 546-1815.
Grant Received
On Thursday it was announced SFI has received a $5,000 grant from the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation which will be used to purchase educational materials for next week's meetings.
This money will be used to facilitate the strategic planning process," said Jonathan Kresken, president of the Waccamaw Community Foundation. "A strong start will ultimately mean that children are protected, batterers are held accountable and families are able to heal and thrive."