Augusta, GA

Domestic violence centers see spike in trouble during holiday season

Published

2 years ago

December 11, 2024

Press Room

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.

All charges against Dennis Perry, who spent more than 20 years in prison for a double murder...

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.

Source link

Related Topics:double murder Featured Georgia man exonerated

Click to comment

Augusta, GA

Deputies investigating deadly crash on Mike Padgett Highway

Published

14 minutes ago

June 21, 2026

Press Room

Deputies investigating deadly crash on Mike Padgett Highway

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – Richmond County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a deadly crash that happened on Mike Padgett Highway Saturday.

Deputies went to the 4600 block around 8:50 p.m. Officials say 70-year-old Charles Cummings of Augusta was pronounced dead at the scene at around 9:52 p.m.

The Richmond County Coroner’s Office also responded to the scene in connection with the fatal crash. An autopsy has been scheduled.

Investigators said the case remains active and ongoing.

No additional details were released, and the sheriff’s office says updates will be provided as more information becomes available.

Source link

Augusta, GA

2nd annual Juneteenth trail ride draws crowds in Augusta

Published

10 hours ago

June 21, 2026

Press Room

2nd annual Juneteenth trail ride draws crowds in Augusta

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – The second annual Juneteenth trail ride took place on Old Waynesboro Road in Augusta on Saturday.

The event featured trail rides with horses and ATVs, a mechanical bull contest and music.

People shopped at vendors, and there was entertainment for kids, including a petting zoo, inflatables and games.

“It’s really a privilege just to be able to have the opportunity to share my space, to share my area, and to share for an event with so much value, to give back to my community and a place to celebrate,” said Davon Wallace, chief of operations at Crimson Hills.

Wallace said they will be hosting more events, with a haunted trail coming in October.

Source link

Augusta, GA

Multiple teens arrested in deadly shooting on Warren Road

Published

21 hours ago

June 20, 2026

Press Room

Multiple teens arrested in deadly shooting on Warren Road

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WJBF) — The Richmond County Sheriff’s Office has made multiple arrests in a deadly shooting that left one teenager dead and another injured early Saturday morning.

According to deputies, the incident happened June 20, at approximately 12:50 a.m. in the 200 block of Warren Road, where authorities responded to reports of shots fired involving two gunshot victims.

When deputies arrived, they located two 18-year-old men from Augusta.

Officials identified the victims as Eric Markquis Bartley Miller and Joseph Lamar Thomas.

Investigators say Miller sustained at least one gunshot wound and was pronounced dead at the scene.

Thomas was also found with at least one gunshot wound and was transported to a local hospital for treatment.

The Richmond County Sheriff’s Office says the circumstances surrounding the shooting remain under active investigation.

As of Saturday afternoon, three teenage suspects have been arrested and charged in connection with the incident.

18-year-old Dmihjay Collins, 17-year-old Tayshaun Thomas, and 17-year-old Joseph Thomas have all been arrested and charged with Murder, Aggravated Assault, and Possession of Machine Guns. They are all currently being held at the Webster Detention Center.

A fourth teenager, 17-year-old Reante Byrd was also arrested, but investigators have not linked him to the murder case. Byrd has been charged with Possession of a Pistol or Revolver by a Person Under the Age of 18. He is also being held in the Webster Detention Center.

No further details in the investigation have been released.

Source link