Public Interest Law Association: Women's Resource
Center to End Domestic Violence
by Kathryn Davis Friday, April 4th P.I.L.A. hosted an informational session with the Women's Resource Center to End
Domestic Violence. The Women's Resource Center was created in fall of
1986, spurred by $10,000 in funding from Dekalb County. It was started in
a single room at the Equal Opportunity Services building with just one part-time
advocate. The advocate led support groups and some members of the Task
Force volunteered with child care services until someone could be hired.
In early 1987, the center opened its first shelter. The center now has six
additional programs and will soon enlarge our shelter from 12 to 32 beds. Kim Frndak from the
center led the discussion of issues surrounding legal advocacy for battered
women. She presented a wealth of statistical data as well as information
on Georgia laws which affect battered women and their families. The focus
of the discussion was the Georgia "Crimes Against Family Members
Act." Among other things, this Act provided for the creation of a
statewide database of protective orders to enable law enforcement officers to
better carry out such orders after they have been issued. Students
questioned Mrs. Frndak about issues surrounding protective orders, same sex
couples and abuse, divorce, and current legislative trends. The resource
center presented a similar informational session at the College of Law last
spring, and was invited to return. The Center offers
services in the metro Atlanta area including the battered women's shelter, a 24
hour crisis hotline, legal advocacy, support groups, and community
education. For further information or to explore volunteer opportunities
students may contact the Center at (404) 688-9436 or visit their website:
www.wrcdv.org.
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