A call to action in WNC
October marks Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM), a time to raise our collective consciousness about family violence in our community and to highlight the critical support systems available for survivors locally.
In Western North Carolina, this issue is particularly pressing given that our region sees a disproportionately high number of domestic violence cases compared to the rest of the state. We have unique challenges. Rural isolation, both physically and socially, amplify the difficulty for victims seeking help. A tight-knit community where everyone knows each other may be incredibly supportive, but it can also make it harder for victims to get help for fear of gossip, shame or being ostracized. That’s why it’s crucial to be united as a region to confront these issues head-on. Not only do we need local infrastructure, offering both immediate intervention and long-term solutions to survivors, but also neighbors that foster belief and support rather than judgement.
In Haywood, Jackson, Macon and Swain counties, and on The Qualla Boundary, we are blessed with so many organizations whose sole mission is ending domestic violence. The people who work for Center for Domestic Peace, REACH, Ernestine Walkingstick DV Shelter and SAFE work tirelessly to keep crisis hotlines open, find emergency shelter, provide legal accompaniment, and just about anything they can do to advocate for survivors. Moreover, their investment in early youth education promoting consent, respect and conflict resolution has made a long-term impact that cannot be overstated.
These local advocacy centers are further supported by non-profits like WNC Alliance, HIGHTS, and Reflection of Inspiration that offer services, professional trainings and foster coordinated community responses across our wider region.
Despite this collective effort of dedicated individuals, none of this would be possible without the support from you, our community. We are in a challenging climate for grant-funded organizations, but local support and individual commitment can go a long way. Center for Domestic Peace will soon complete an 18-bed shelter, paid for entirely by Jackson County and Dogwood Health Trust. This will ensure that those families needing to escape a violent household can remain in their community as they rebuild their lives. We are thankful that our county commissioners continue to support CDP’s mission in sustaining this vital resource in the decades to come.
This October, as we appreciate the changing colors of the leaves, let us reflect on the change we can make as individuals. As each autumn leaf contributes to the spectacular effect of fall in the Smoky Mountains, so can each community member add to the collective effort of building a safe place to live.
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If you’d like to learn more about how you can donate or volunteer, contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Follow us on Instagram (@centerfordomestic) and Facebook to find out about our fun community events and learn about the impact we’re making. If you’d like to know more about our services, please call our free & confidential hotline at 828.586.1237 or check out our website at www.cdpjaxcountync.org.
(Billy Streibe is the assistant director of prevention and outreach at theCenter for Domestic Peace in Jackson County.)
