Rural Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Advocates provide specialized services, establishing remote, safe meeting spots, outreach, and education to victims and communities living in the most “geographically isolated areas” in Macon County. By partnering and building bridges with local faith communities, health clinics, soup kitchens, libraries, and other non-profit entities, our hope is to make victims feel that they are not alone. 

We are just a phone call away! 
We can meet YOU in a pre-determined, safe location in YOUR local community. 

If you or someone you know lives in a rural community and is a victim of domestic violence, sexual assault, and/or human trafficking, 
please call or text us at
Macon Office:828-369-5544

Over 25 percent of women in small rural and isolated areas live more than 40 miles from the closest Intimate Partner Violence Program, compared with less than 1 percent of women living in urban areas.  Ruralhealthinfo.org 

Macon Areas Served: 
  
 

• Highlands / Scaly Mountain 
• Nantahala 
• Cowee 
• Elijay 
• Cartoogechaye 
• Sugarfork 
• Millshoal 
• Otto 
• Tellico 
• Burningtown 

 
Places to get additional information about this program: 

• Highlands PD 
• Hudson Library 
• Mountain Fresh Grocery 
• Highlands Emergency Council ​
• Peggy Crosby Center
• Health Department Franklin 
• KidzPlace 
• The Highlands Cashiers Hospital  
• Community Care Clinic of Highlands ​
• Macon County Transit
• Discover Church - Celebrate Recovery
• CareNet in Franklin
• ​Macon New Beginnings in Franklin ​
• Highlands Food Pantry

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BARRIERS:  

• Transportation 
• Lack of Cell Phone Service & Internet  
• Geographically Isolated due to distance ​  
• Stigma of Abuse 
• Distrust of outside assistance due to lack of anonymity.  

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SOLUTION BASED RESOURCES: 

• Providing Remote Advocacy services through the establishment of safe meeting places within the local community 
• Developing on a crisis text line. 
• Providing resources to local businesses and organizations that victims and survivors can easily and discreetly access. 
• Educating communities about violence and the prevention of violence. 
• Educating victims that it is not their fault and that help is available. 
• Confidentiality is of the utmost importance. 
• Connecting Victims to Community Services such as food pantries, health clinics, local transit, & low-income programs for heating & assistance.  
• Crisis Counseling  
• Safety Planning & Assessment (via in person or on the phone) 
• Supportive Counseling  
• Accompanying victims of sexual assault to forensic exam/interviews 
• Court Advocacy – helping with completing protective orders and accompaniment to court dates
• Emergency Shelter 

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