Gateway Center recognizes Officer of the Year, Domestic Violence Awareness Month

One in four women in Hall County will have experienced some type of domestic violence in their lifetime, according to Gateway Domestic Violence Center Executive Director Jessica Butler.

Butler was a guest on Tuesday's edition of WDUN's Newsroom, following the annual Gateway Domestic Violence Breakfast and Briefing that morning.

At the breakfast, Hall County Sheriff's Investigator Amy Bray was recognized for her work on domestic violence cases.

"The prosecutors office that nominated her just talked about her above and beyond efforts on cases, taking extra steps that she just knew to take, and really having a good demeanor with victims that made her able to work really well on cases," said Butler.

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, and Butler said for those experiencing domestic violence, calling an agency like Gateway can offer needed support.

"Some people call us because they need a place to go or a place to stay, others call because they're thinking about what to do in their situation, they have a lot of big decisions to make," said Butler. "They may realize when they end a relationship it's the most dangerous time and we can help them make plans to end that relationship safely."

"People call us for all kinds of reasons. Once they connect with us, many chose to come to support groups and classes, others chose to come for legal services, they need help with a protective order. So we want to be a resource for victims, however we can help them."

The nonprofit is also working on a new facility. Butler said the fundraising portion was almost complete and they had broken ground for a new shelter. It will double the capacity of their current shelter.

Listen to the full interview with Gateway Center's Jessica Butler by clicking the play button above.