TITLE
Title
BUDGET AMENDMENT: GOVERNOR'S CRIME COMMISSION VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN ACT (VAWA) GRANT/FAMILY JUSTICE CENTER
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SPONSOR
Sponsor
Sheriff Danny H. Rogers (Capt. Wes Mecham)
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BACKGROUND
Background
The Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) is a comprehensive legislative package designed to improve criminal justice responses to sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence and stalking and to increase the availability of services for victims and survivors. Guilford County opened its first Family Justice Center in Greensboro in 2015 and a second location in High Point in 2018. Within the first six years of operation, the Centers served nearly 54,000 victims. Between 2015 and 2021, the demand for service increased 130%. Currently, seventeen (17) partner organizations totaling 100 professionals work collaboratively to provide onsite streamlined and comprehensive services to victims of domestic and sexual violence, child abuse, stalking, human trafficking, and elder abuse. The Sheriff's Office has its Family Services Unit assigned to the Family Justice Center. The VAWA is a means to assist the Guilford County Sheriff's Office (GCSO) to continue its role within the structure of services provided by the Family Justice Center partnership. Those served by the GCSO Family Services Unit include domestic violence victims and sexual assault victims. Cases of domestic violence can escalate and, all too often, can culminate in serious injury or death. Guilford County experienced a 250% increase in domestic violence related homicides during the COVID-19 pandemic. It is imperative that increased law enforcement coverage be assigned to the Family Services Unit. Within the streamlined service delivery model and collaborative framework of the Family Justice Center, dedicated officers of the GCSO's Family Services Unit provide essential services, which helps prevent victims from falling through the cracks and holds offenders accountable. By combining expertise a...
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