Winston-Salem Held Day of Unity Event

The gathering focused on raising awareness for domestic violence survivors and available support resources.

Updated on Oct. 6, 2026 in Sex Crimes

Bold flat-color editorial illustration of a serene stone gazebo in a city park, evoking institutional safety and community support. — Family Services of Forsyth County hosted a Day of Unity in Winston-Salem on Tuesday to raise awareness for domestic violence survivors. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

Live Poll

Do you feel your local community offers enough accessible support for domestic violence victims?

Family Services of Forsyth County hosted a Day of Unity in Winston-Salem to honor lives lost to domestic violence. The event aimed to ensure survivors are aware of local support programs available within the community.

Why it matters

Domestic violence remains a critical public health issue in the region, with thousands of service calls logged annually. These support networks provide essential safety planning and emergency care for victims.

Forsyth County law enforcement agencies receive approximately 8,000 domestic violence calls each year. The newly launched S.O.S. program has supported investigations into more than 100 domestic violence crimes since 2025.

The players

Family Services of Forsyth County

This local organization provides essential social services and emergency shelter for individuals in the Winston-Salem area.

Forsyth County Sheriff's Office

This law enforcement agency oversees public safety and operates the S.O.S. program to provide direct assistance to survivors.

Bridges to Hope Family Justice Center

This center serves as a collaborative hub offering comprehensive safety planning and support services for domestic violence clients.

The details

The Day of Unity provided a platform to highlight resources like the S.O.S. program, which offers home surveillance, regular check-ins, and safety planning. Other regional partners, including the Bridges to Hope Family Justice Center and the District Attorney's Office, also provide critical victim support through housing and food coordination.

The S.O.S. program was launched in 2025.
Family Services handled nearly 900 calls last year.
The Day of Unity event occurred on October 5, 2026.

Legal Context

This local event aligns with the broader goals of the National Domestic Violence Awareness Month campaign to elevate public discourse. These gatherings serve as a local extension of national advocacy efforts aimed at reducing domestic violence crime rates.

Residents seeking protection can access specialized safety planning and emergency shelter services through local providers. These programs offer immediate resources, including home surveillance and help with escape plans, for those experiencing high lethality risk.

The takeaway

Domestic violence support programs are active and available for those in need across Forsyth County. Survivors are encouraged to utilize established networks like the S.O.S. program for safety planning and emergency care.