Reducing Family Violence

This week our court marked the beginning of a partnership with two volunteer groups who are seeking to reduce the toll of domestic violence.

Since February more than 1,600 people have come to the Safe Families Office set up in Courtroom 6G.

Inside they have found help. Help in overcome their fear. Help in taking steps to remove themselves from the constant threat of violence.

One woman came seeking a temporary protective order from her husband, who was at home with their children.

She told the volunteers in Safe Families Office that the night before, distraught over the loss of his job her husband became enraged as they argued and pulled a gun on her. Safe Families volunteers quickly helped her obtain the necessary order, but it was what they afterwards that made the real difference.

As they do with all Safe Families clients, a volunteer walked with the woman through our sprawling court complex to the Fulton County Sherriff’s office to be sure the Sherriff had everything needed to serve the order. Because the woman’s husband had a gun and because the victim suspected there may be violence when she returned, the Safe Families volunteer arranged for Sheriff’s deputies to accompany her home.

As she had feared, her husband brandished the gun when she arrived and held their children hostage. A SWAT team was called and eventually the standoff was resolved without anyone being injured.

But what could have happened to that woman and all the others is what keeps Safe Families volunteers from the Partnership Against Domestic Violence and Atlanta Volunteer Lawyers coming back day after day.

And, while all of the stories don't end as well, our Court is proud to support the work of these dedicated volunteers.

Our court was one of the first to establish a dedicated Family Court to address the issues unique to domestic litigation.

Family Court , begun in July 1998, includes legal, psychological, and social services professionals who help resolve multiple family disputes in a coordinated, non-confrontational, and speedy manner. In 2008, Family Court heard more than 5,000 cases. More than 22,500 people called the Court's Family Law Information Center for assistance and more than 12,200 people came to the center for assistance, including free lawyer consultations.

Family Court’s free Internet-based I-CAN! program helps self-represented individuals complete legal forms in domestic cases.