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Published Monday, March 08, 2010 in Local

Georgia ranked 15th in domestic violence homicides

By Elizabeth Melville

The Newnan Times-Herald

A new report ranks Georgia 15th in the nation for killings of women by men in single-victim homicides, most of them murders connected with domestic violence.

The report was released by the Violence Policy Center with help from two prominent Georgia advocacy groups, according to the Associated Press. The sixth annual report shows conditions had improved from three years ago, when the state was ranked seventh for such homicides, according to AP.

Still, the state's domestic violence organizations responded to more than 72,000 incidents last year.

Georgia Commission on Family Violence director Kirsten Rambo says many homicides happen when women try to leave violent relationships, according to the AP.

Linda Kirkpatrick, executive director of the local Community Welcome House shelter for women and children victims of domestic violence, wasn't shocked by the report, based on Coweta County's own statistics and the Welcome House's involvement with domestic violence victims.

On the flip side, Kirkpatrick said she's observed more women seeking outreach by at least picking up the phone for information.

"That tells us we are making a difference with the awareness we're getting out there," said Kirkpatrick. "They do know they have somewhere to call to get the information they need, whether they leave or not."

Incidents of domestic violence spiked when the economy took a turn for the worse, said Kirkpatrick. She's found that, on the whole, incidents are leveling off with the economy.

Survivors of sexual assault and domestic violence are suffering disproportionately from the economic downturn -- their own resources as well as services at domestic violence and sexual assault programs are increasingly limited.

The executive director said she was getting a high volume of phone calls from women who were staying in their situation because they were afraid of venturing into the unknown. She reassures these women that the Welcome House has never turned anyone away, even with the economy at its worst.

Welcome House is a non-governmental organization based on Christian principles. Their daily operations are entirely donor supported. The house requires close to $17,000 per month to operate.

"We still have the support, but it's less," said Kirkpatrick. "Our supporters are not able to give us as much."

Still, Welcome House volunteers can refer those in need to resources -- including monetary -- to help them leave an abusive situation.

Kirkpatrick reminds donors that they can designate their dollars for a specific purpose -- such as the trash bill. The non-profit group also purchased a home with a zero percent mortgage. All donations toward the mortgage go to the principal.

Undesignated donations are used to provide medical care to the residents of Welcome House, as well as daily operations. Kirkpatrick said food has never been a problem because of an agreement they have with local grocers.

Welcome House residents also receive proceeds from New Beginnings, a thrift store located at 13 Augusta Drive in downtown Newnan. The group occupies the building for free and staffs it with volunteers so there is are overhead costs.

"The proceeds from the store go straight to victims of domestic violence," said Kirkpatrick.

To make a donation, call 770-304-0966 and press '0,' or visit them on the Web, welcomehouse.org

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