Dougherty County Police partners with groups to fight rise in domestic violence

(ALBANY, GA) – For the Dougherty County Police Department, it’s been an all too familiar call recently as they’ve been on an increased amount of domestic violence calls in the area, and part of it has been from the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Because of the Coronavirus, people are in their homes together a lot more, and tensions rise because of economic issues and other problems. So it’s been an ongoing issue…” says DCP investigator, Tamiko Whitlock.

The county police has been answering multiple calls a day recently in regards to domestic abuse, a crime they consider to be the most unpredictable.

In one day earlier this week, they responded to nearly half a dozen domestic disturbances.

That’s why they’re partnering with local organizations to get help for these victims as these crimes increase.

Lt. Whitlock tells us, “We’re constantly working with groups like liberty house and the lily pad sane center hand in hand with children who are victimized by domestic violence. So we keep in touch with all of our agencies.”

Regardless of the help, lieutenant Whitlock says that those being victimized shouldn’t hesitate to call 911.

“We need to let these people know that they’re not stuck in a situation that they don’t have to be in. And that if they need helpful law enforcement or any entity, that we’re here for them,” says Whitlock.

If you know someone who s being victimized, contact the Dougherty County Police at (229)- 430-6600 or Liberty Houses’s 24/7 crisis hotline at (800) 334-2836 or (229) 439-7065