Image courtesy of ACCESS

The Greene County Coalition Against Domestic Violence recently released its report for 2019.

According to the Coalition, for 2019 to date the Jefferson Police Department responded to 49 domestic violence and ten sexual violence calls. The Greene County Sheriff’s Office responded to 14 and five calls, respectively. The Coalition is a non-profit organization that consists of local law enforcement, victim advocates, community members, medical and school staff and members from the faith community.

Employees of Assault Care Center Extending Shelter and Services (ACCESS) are also part of the Coalition. Tess Cody is the ACCESS Executive Director and she says ACCESS has helped the Coalition conduct awareness campaigns in the past regarding the resources that are available for survivors of domestic situations. 

“They are looking to host similar things (in the future) to really make sure that folks feel supported because it’s (not just) a big problem here, but everywhere. So I think that’s a coalition that’s really trying to make sure that folks know what their options are. Our staff is right there with them and serving on the Coalition, but also doing work to support and kind of amplify the work that is being done locally.”

Anyone in Greene County can join the Coalition and providing donations for further training of law enforcement. Contact Reverend Dennis Martens with Trinity Lutheran Church in Jefferson to learn more.