Efforts in Forsyth

Forsyth County has had many firsts in providing resources for victims of family violence.

The first battered women's shelter in the state was established in Forsyth County in 1978. Family Services established one of the first Child Advocacy Centers in the state in 2000. The first Multi-Agency Center in the state to provide one-stop services for domestic violence and sexual assault victims, known as Safe on Seven, was established in 2005.

In 2017, a planning group in Forsyth County began meeting to discuss a greater vision for our community - a Family Justice Center.

Establishing a Family Justice Center in Forsyth County will equip our community to better address domestic violence, sexual assault, child abuse, elder abuse and sex trafficking by co-locating services and providers into one central location.

2019

August - a Strategic Planning session was held with over 100 people representing over 50 organizations and community groups participating. This created a framework to further the Family Justice Center process in our community. Alliance for HOPE International leaders facilitated the session. Read the Strategic Planning report.

January - Leaders from the Alliance for HOPE International came to Forsyth County for a two-day Study Tour to assess our community's readiness for a Family Justice Center. On the morning of the 29th, Family Services and planning partners welcomed 175 people to SECCA to hear a presentation from community leaders and Casey Gwinn, with the Alliance for HOPE International. Members of the Alliance led focus groups throughout the county and 150 individuals shared their perspectives. The focus groups included two groups of survivors, who spoke of their first-hand experience of receiving services in Forsyth County. Read the Study Tour letter.