The "Story Behind the Curve" helps us understand why the data on the number of domestic violence clients is the way that it is in our community. When we understand the root causes of our community problems, we have a better chance of finding the right solutions, together.

What's Helping? These are the positive forces at work in our community and beyond that influence this issue in our community.

• There are prevention efforts in the schools, i.e. REACH, as well as other early interentions throughout the community.
• Some agencies have protocols on how to address domestic violence situations, i.e. hospital.
• Law enforcement has a system on how to categorize violence and how to appropriately house inmates.
• There is a national awareness of the issue and conversation around realted court rulings.
• The community cares about this issue and demands respect; this results in things like conversations around healthy relationships.

What's Hurting? These are the negative forces at work in our community and beyond that influence this issue in our community.

• Knowledge, beliefs, and attitudes contributs to risky behavior, non-consent, and the idea that domestic violence is okay.
• Family structures are complicated parent skills and youth "without boundaries."
• The consequences of domestic violence are percieved as "no big deal."
• Other determinants of health, like loss of employment or substance use, may contribute to domestic violence. 
• There is no forensic nurse in Macon County or surrounding area.

Partners in our Community Health Improvement Process: 

• Macon County Public Health
• REACH of Macon County
• WNC Healthy Impact

Partners with a Role in Helping Our Community Do Better on This Issue: 

• Church of Incarnation
• Department of Social Services
• District Attorney's Office and other judicial branches
• Emergency Services
• Franklin and Highlands Police Department
• Hospital system
• Kid's Place
• Macon County School System
• Macon County Sheriff's Office
• Macon Program for Progress

The following actions have been identified by our response coalition and community members as ideas for what can work for our community to make a difference on domestic violence.

Actions and Approaches Identified by Our Partners These are actions and approaches that our partners think can make a difference on domestic violence.

• Develop streamlined protocol for referrals and assessments of victims in a formalized document for all agencies using best practices.
• Offer resource information- especially to those at risk.
• Job skills training for youth.
• Campaigns "Normalize the Conversation" campaign in schools, work settings, businesses, etc. (ex. domestic violence and sexual assault is not okay).

What is Currently Working in Our Community These are actions and approaches that are currently in place in our community to make a difference on domestic violence.

• Trainings in community agencies to recgonize signs and symptoms of domestic violence in patiets and clients.
• There is more awareness and trainings around human trafficking.
• REACH events and fundraisers- i.e. movie night, Brew and Do (Good) Festival.
• Women's self- defense class.

Evidence-Based Strategies These are actions and approaches that have been shown to make a difference on domestic violence.

What Community Members Most Affected by Domestic Violence Say These are the actions and approaches recommended by members of our community who are most affected by domestic violence.

• Advocacy efforts need to continue.

Process for Selecting Priority Strategies

Strategies for this prioritiy are aligned with REACH's goals and grant objectives. REACH is a local domestic violence and sexual assault advocacy organization who focuses on prevention, intervention, and educational services. REACH is also the lead for the Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Response Coalition. The Coailition is continuing to develop a domestic violence manual that includes instructions, protocols, and state statutes for participating agencies to reference and cross- referene in domestic violence cases.