Beginning today, all Atlanta fire stations will also be safe havens where abuse victims can receive protection and help. This program, called Safe S.P.O.T.S., was unveiled by Mayor Shirley Franklin and Stephanie Davis, the mayor's policy adviser for women's issues.
Under this initiative, all women and children who suffer abuse as well as victims of sexual assault or exploitation can go to any firehouse where station workers will get them medical attention and counseling. Additionally, fire stations will be a safe place for infant abandonment.
All station workers will be trained to deal with victims and will contact appropriate outlets to find them the help they need.
"The goal of the Safe S.P.O.T.S. program is to provide immediate protection to empower abuse victims to regain control over their own lives and their own bodies," Mayor Franklin says.
Fire stations have been chosen so that victims, who may normally be reluctant to seek out police stations, will have a place they can seek refuge, medical attention, and counseling.
The past several months, firefighters and paramedics have been receiving training in how to assist victims of violence and sexual abuse or exploitation. According to Davis, this program will cost the city very little.
The National Coalition Against Domestic Violence and CDC estimate that "1 in every 4 women will experience domestic violence in her life" and that an "estimated 1.3 million women are victims of physical assault by an intimate partner each year."
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