CONWAY, Ark. — As people stay home over the holidays, reports of domestic violence can spike during this time of year.
The City of Conway is taking time to assess the impact of its new position to help domestic violence survivors and is hoping to help as many people as it can.
Traci Spotwood is a full-time mom and realtor, as well as the lead domestic violence coordinator for the City of Conway.
"The criminal justice system seems very intimidating for victims," Spotwood said. "That's where I come in. I come in as that person to contact the victims... identifying, you know, what to do to go forward."
Spotwood does this all as a volunteer.
"I have done 150 hours," Spotwood said. "I just want them to feel empowered again, and feel safe again... We would love to see this expand with more volunteers because of the demand."
And in just the first year of the program, Spotwood said they are already seeing more victims call in to ask questions and follow through with legal protection.
"One of the things I always offer to do is show up to court," Spotwood said. "If you don't have the transportation, I'll take you to court, and I'll just sit with you, you know, to get through that process."
The program is under the direction of city attorney Charles Finkbinder's office, which adds a more human element to what can be a complicated legal issue.
"What does the whole process look like? How do they view the police?" Finkbinder said. "How do they view the criminal justice system? Are there cultural barriers that exist there? And are we doing enough to make [the victim] safe?"
The city hopes the program continues to grow with more volunteers next year.
"We knew that in order to take this to the next level, we were going to need somebody like Traci," Finkbinder said. "When people understand what their rights are, then they start asking questions, which is what we want."
The program is also aiming to help people not just in Conway, but anyone who needs it. There's a variety of options.
"You can bypass the police If you want to and call me," Spotwood said. "Let's just make sure we do what we need to do to keep you safe."
For more information on how to get help or become a volunteer, you can reach out to (501) 450-6193 or charles.finkenbinder@conwayarkansas.gov.