The Batesville Area Chamber of Commerce held a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Jan. 30 to mark the opening of Family Violence Prevention’s anti-human trafficking resource center at 2026 Byers St.
“It’s a wonderful day to welcome this new resource to our community,” said Chamber Chief Operating Officer Jamie Rayford. “We’re thrilled to celebrate the opening of the Anti-Human-Trafficking Resource Center, hosted by Family Violence Prevention, an organization that plays a crucial role in preventing and healing the wounds caused by violence in our community.”
“We want to raise awareness about this horrendous crime happening right before our eyes,” said anti-human trafficking specialist Marilee House. “This center is open to the community, and we hope to offer a safe place for those in need.”
The center provides services for trafficking survivors. It includes a “soft room,” described as “a calming, comfortable space designed to help victims feel safe and at ease.”
“Victims can come in and not feel like they’re being scrutinized or judged,” House said. “A comforting environment makes it easier for them to recall events and share their stories.”
The center is a nonprofit organization providing support services for survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and human trafficking. Services include advocacy, resources, and shelter.
Chamber ambassadors attending included Silje Antonsen of Venture Realty Group, Amy Crouch-Howard of Weichert Realtor-The Property Shoppe, Katelyn Holt of Family Chiropractic Care, Michael Kelley of Peco Foods, Cassidy Mitchell of Lyon College, Roxanne Ranaudo of Family Violence Prevention, Brenda Rivera of First Community Bank, Lori Tacker of Batesville Eye Care Center, Tiffany Traw of University of Arkansas Community College at Batesville, Christina Watts of LaCroix Precision Optics and Sydney Wood of Main Street Batesville.
To learn more about Family Violence Prevention and its new resource center, click here.
Image: Batesville Area Chamber of Commerce
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