Authorities hold domestic violence helpline on Thursday

JEFFERSON COUNTY, AL (WBRC) - A county-wide effort focuses on domestic violence. Police and the Jefferson County Sheriff's department will join forces for a 12-hour period tomorrow. It is called "You Can Be Safe."

For 12-hours, noon to midnight Thursday, trained counselors and experts in law enforcement on the topic of domestic violence will take phone calls from anyone. The goal is to raise awareness about a problem that often remains silent until things go too far.

Police chiefs gathered with Sunny Slaughter of the Alabama Silent Witness Initiative to launch the "12-hour Family Violence Help Line." They will take calls and have an action plan. If someone is in an abusive relationship and fearful, they will even be in position to take those people to safety.

Slaughter says the number of incidents have increased recently. She says a bad economy and high unemployment can only increase stress in an already abusive relationship. She also wants to raise awareness about violence in teen dating relationships.

Slaughter says this is a statewide opportunity. She also says more cities are looking at holding similar blitzes to raise awareness.