Macon Violence Prevention (MVP) hosted a focus group session on September 23 facilitated by Crisis Line & Safe House of Central Georgia and Macon Mental Health Matters (MMHM). The purpose of this meeting was to hear from domestic violence survivors about their experiences to determine what’s needed at a planned Family Justice Center coming to Macon-Bibb.  

Facilitators asked several direct questions about each survivor’s experience and what resources were available to them at the time of their abusive relationships. Several people agreed they had trouble navigating convoluted systems when trying to escape their home lives, which leaders say points to the need for a center that serves as a one stop shop. They hope the Family Justice Center will house mental health and medical professionals, legal support, government assistance navigators, and other workers which will help victims find a clear path to getting on their own feet and out of danger.  

Mayor Lester Miller, Community Affairs Executive Director Dr. Henry Ficklin, representatives from Crisis Line, MVP, and MMHM were all there to listen, learn, ask questions, and thank these survivors for sharing their stories.  

This meeting follows a series of public MVP forums across the community and an online survey allowing people to share their ideas and concerns about curbing crime in Macon-Bibb. More than 1,100 people attended those forums and more than 700 surveys were submitted.  

To learn about how you can be involved in reducing and preventing violent crime in Macon-Bibb, visit www.maconviolenceprevention.org or follow the MVP: Macon Violence Prevention Facebook page.