Domestic Violence Groups Work To Improve Communication

July 26, 2011
By Mark Geary

Greensboro, N.C. - Domestic violence is a problem in every community. There are a lot of different groups trying to help, but victims still fall off the radar.

That's why there's a new group forming called the "Violence Against Women Responders Network."

The goal is to get all these groups talking together, solving the problem both online and in person.

Network leaders have already met once. They plan to meet three times a year. During the rest of the year, they will talk through email.

"Victims can fall through the cracks. Perpetrators can fall through the cracks. So, the more people are not working together and collaborating, the more likely it can be that we miss the opportunities to connect people to the services that can help," Program Director Christine Murray said.

Alamance County opened a "Family Justice Center" last year.

The center is a one-stop-shop for domestic violence victims. You can get everything from a restraining order to counseling. Other communities, like Guilford County, have talked about opening up a similar facility.

It's overwhelming for just about anyone who needs help in a domestic violence situation. But, it's even tougher when you don't speak English well. Many of the people involved in last week's shooting are part of the Montagnard community. That's why Montagnard leaders want everyone to understand how to get help.

"Every heart is broken. Every heart wants to know the truth. They are so not happy with this," Rev. Y'hin nie of the United Montagnard Christian Church said.