GAINESVILLE - Domestic violence affects one out of every four women at some point during her life. This past year, on the national level, the issue of domestic violence catapulted its way into mainstream media after incidents involving the NFL and Hollywood brought exposure and discussion to an issue rarely addressed in the public arena.
Even closer to home, Gateway Domestic Violence Center reported over 2,000 calls came in to its 24-hour crisis telephone line with reports of abuse in 2014. That’s nearly five reports per day.
“Domestic violence is still a major issue in our community, and Gateway’s mission is to address that issue through violence prevention, intervention, community collaboration, and our comprehensive support services,” says executive director Jessica Butler.
In 2014, Gateway provided in-person services to 883 different people through its emergency shelter program, transitional housing program and support programs.
“This year we’ve really focused on providing meaningful support to victims, whether it be through education about domestic violence, our transitional and emergency housing, or through offering support services like life skills classes, parenting classes or art therapy classes,” continues Butler. “The key to meaningful support is to listen, without judgment, and give women the support they’ve been missing in other relationships.”
As a nonprofit, Gateway Domestic Violence Center seeks involvement and support from the community not only through its advocacy against domestic violence, but also through support of their annual Gateway to Hope event. A great deal of the funds raised for Gateway are through ticket and auction sales and event sponsorships, making Gateway to Hope an important part of the nonprofit’s annual budget.
The upcoming fundraiser, Gateway to Hope, is on Friday, April 24 at 6:30 p.m., at the Chattahoochee Country Club.
“We’d be nowhere without the support of our community,” says Butler. “Since our location and shelter are hidden for security purposes, the Gateway to Hope event is a great opportunity for us to be able to gather as a community to raise awareness about a serious issue, support a life-altering organization and secure the safety of women and children in our area. It’s also a way for Gateway to celebrate our success with the community champions that have made all that we do possible.”
The event includes a cocktail hour from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., and will serve heavy Hors d’oeuvres following the cocktail hour. Guests will enjoy an extensive silent auction with more than 80 auction items involved. Tickets are $75 per person and can be purchased in advance by emailing [email protected] or at the door. For a list of event sponsors visit the Gateway to Hope sponsor information page.
For more information about Gateway Domestic Violence Center or their annual Gateway to Hope event, visit http://www.gatewaydvcenter.org or call 770-539-9080.
