Community Events Highlight Domestic Violence Prevention and Awareness Month

The Buncombe County Board of Commissioners has issued a proclamation designating October as Domestic Violence Prevention and Awareness Month.

The proclamation honors local survivors and victims of domestic violence and recognizes the Buncombe County Family Justice Center (FJC) for providing a safe space, forensic medical exams, assistance with safety plans, case management, counseling, and legal support for those in need of help.

Family Justice Center

The FJC brings together many partners in one location to provide multiple services for survivors of domestic violence, child maltreatment, sexual violence, human trafficking, and elder abuse. Onsite partners include Buncombe County Justice Services Department, Helpmate, Our Voice, Buncombe County Sheriff’s Office, Asheville Police Department, HCA/Mission Health Forensic Nurse Examiners, Pisgah Legal Services, and the YWCA of Asheville.

The FJC also collaborates with Buncombe County Health and Human Services, the District Attorney’s Office, Mountain Child Advocacy Center, and Achieve WNC (formerly SPARC Foundation) to serve families.

Helpmate, one of the primary partner agencies operating out of the FJC,  offers education and outreach throughout the community as well as a 24-hour crisis hotline, case management, court advocacy, counseling, children’s advocacy, housing support, and an emergency shelter for survivors. In late October, Helpmate will also officially open Joy’s House, a larger emergency shelter that will increase capacity from 20 to 43.

Commemorate the month and honor survivors at the following local events.

Wear Purple Community Photo

Wednesday, October 28

Wear purple, the color of Domestic Violence Prevention and Awareness Month, and join Buncombe County Justice Services, Helpmate, and other community partners in a photo to show support. The photo will be taken from 2:30 to 3 p.m. on the steps of the Family Justice Center, 35 Woodfin St. in Asheville.

Domestic Violence Vigil

Thursday, October 29

Helpmate will hold its annual vigil for the public to honor the memory of domestic violence victims. The program will include speakers and a survivor story, followed by candle lighting, a reading of victims’ names, and a musical performance. The Vigil takes place from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at Dr. Wesley Grant Sr. Southside Community Center, 285 Livingston St. in Asheville.

Help is Available

The Family Justice Center is located at 35 Woodfin St. in downtown Asheville and can be reached at (828) 250-6900. All FJC services are free and offered in English and Spanish with additional interpretation available. The FJC accepts walk-ins, appointments, and referrals Monday through Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.

Family Justice Center Partner 24-Hour Hotlines

• Helpmate: Domestic violence services at (828) 254-0516
• Our Voice: Sexual assault services at (828) 255-7576

If you are in immediate danger, you should always dial or text 9-1-1 for help.