Augusta, GA
Domestic violence centers see spike in trouble during holiday season
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – For many, the holiday season is one filled with joy and making memories.
But for others, the holiday season brings on stress and fear as leaders see an increase in domestic violence cases.
When the phone rings at Safe Homes of Augusta, it’s not just a call for help.
It’s a call for action.
“Safe Homes is the only nonprofit domestic violence center, and we service 10 counties. And so, therefore, we see a lot of different types of calls that come in,” said Safe Homes Executive Director Aimme Hall.
Hall says hundreds of calls come directly to this line each month.
“Last year, we took over 1,900 calls. Through those calls, you know, we see a lot of different types of abuse,” said Hall.
There are calls ranging from emotional and financial abuse to physical abuse.
During the holidays, the calls get worse. Hall says they increase by 30%.
“We do get a lot of calls, but it could be, you know, not so much for shelter maybe, but just for outreach services because during those times, you know, domestic violence can worsen. Then maybe we’re getting calls for temporary protection or assistance,” she said.
But Hall says more calls don’t always mean the shelter fills up during the holidays.
“Not everybody’s ready to leave during the holidays. And we can’t, as, you know, the community, social workers, advocates, we can’t push them to leave. Because, again, they know when it’s the best, when it’s the most dangerous,” said Hall.
You may not realize you or someone you love could be at risk.
But she says there are things to look out for.
“Isolation is a huge one. Of course, the emotional abuse, you know, we see a lot of that with the intimidation. If you see that your loved one is being intimidated by their partner,” said Hall.
Even though most are off for the holidays, advocates at Safe Homes are not.
They are open 365 days a year with a 24-hour emergency unmarked shelter ready to help you on the first ring.
Safe Homes of Augusta has a 24/7 crisis hotline if you or someone you know needs help.
If you need help, call 706-736-2499.
Copyright 2024 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – Georgia gubernatorial candidate Geoff Duncan campaigned in Augusta ahead of Election Day, making stops at two churches and meeting with local faith leaders.
The former lieutenant governor visited Good Hope Baptist Church on Cedar Street, where he spoke with the Greater Augusta Interfaith Coalition’s “Music to the Polls” group.
Duncan told us that, if elected governor, he wants to expand Medicaid, pass what he called “common-sense gun legislation,” and create more economic opportunities statewide. He also pointed to affordability concerns impacting families and businesses.
“I want to take $1.7 billion of our state’s fund and wrap it around the axle of poverty,” Duncan said, adding that he wants to lower child care costs and improve temporary assistance programs.
Duncan also stopped at Miles Memorial Church on Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard.
Copyright 2026 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.
NJ apartment dwellers, renters have these options for help with rent
State and local officials say several programs are designed to help low and moderate-income households stay housed in the face of financial distress.
As rent prices continue to strain budgets, a new study is highlighting where Georgians can save the most by splitting housing costs.
According to a report from SmartAsset, some cities in Georgia offer major savings for renters who choose to live with a roommate.
Here’s what to know.
Where can you save the most in Georgia?
The study ranks Augusta as the top city in Georgia for roommate savings, and No. 6 in the country.
Renters there can save about 45% on monthly rent, or roughly $450 per month, by sharing an apartment.
Here’s how the costs compare in Augusta:
- One-bedroom rent: $1,000
- Two-bedroom rent: $1,100
- Estimated monthly savings with a roommate: $450
Why are roommate savings so high?
With rent prices rising, splitting costs has become one of the easiest ways to cut monthly expenses.
The study shows that sharing rent can significantly reduce housing costs, especially in cities where prices have climbed in recent years.
How does Georgia compare to the rest of the country?
Here’s the top 10 cities in the US for saving with a roomate:
- Cleveland, OH
- Baton Rouge, LA
- Jersey City, NJ
- Memphis, TN
- Boise, ID
- Augusta, GA
- New Haven, CT
- Chattanooga, TN
- Virginia Beach, VA
- Shreveport, LA
Methodology
The study analyzed 100 U.S. cities using rental data from March 2025 to March 2026 from Zumper, comparing one-bedroom rents to half the cost of two-bedroom apartments to estimate savings from sharing with a roommate.
For more information, visit smartasset.com/data-studies/roommate-savings-2026.
Vanessa Johns is the Trending Topics Reporter for the Deep South Connect Team Georgia. Email her at Vcountryman@gannett.com.
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – Families had the chance to sharpen their money skills at a financial literacy event hosted by local nonprofit Crown Her Mentoring at the Bernie Ward Community Center.
The free event offered resources for all ages, from kids learning the basics to adults planning for their financial future.
Attendees could sit in sessions about budgeting, credit, opening banking accounts and insurance options.
Organizers said the event was designed to make financial education accessible during Financial Literacy Month.
“People need to understand the importance of a checking account, a savings account—how to manage your money. How to invest your money. People need to learn about life insurance,” said Torrecka Davis, organizer.
Crown Her Mentoring will host a mental health awareness event on May 23. Open enrollment for new mentees will begin on May 10.
Copyright 2026 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.
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