MACON, Ga. — Macon's District Attorney Anita Howard is bringing attention to domestic violence after a Friday shooting left a Macon woman dead after being shot to death by her husband, the DA's office says. Her husband would later kill himself after a police chase.
The Crisis Line and Safe House of Central Georgia discussed how to help those in an abusive relationship.
Suzanne Walker the director of programs of the Cris Line And Safe House of Central Georgia says she believes there are multiple reasons why a person may back out of a protective order.
“They don't have a way to support themselves without their abusive partner, it can also be encouragement from others in the community saying this person changed, you need to give them another shot,” Walker said.
The National Domestic Violence Hotline found 66% of female stalking victims were stalked by current or former inmate partners.
At Crisis Line, they offer many of the services to help those suffering from domestic abuse.
“We offer a crisis hotline, a legal services program, a counseling program, a sexual assault program and a confidential located shelter for individuals fleeing from abusive relationships,” Walker said.
They also helped Cotina Fuller in her TPO proceedings against her husband. On Friday, she was shot and killed by him at a gas station on Riverside Drive, according to the DA's Office.
“So, this has been a continuous problem,” Howard said.
The Bibb Sheriff's Office believes her husband Wayne Fuller shot her before leading deputies on a chase and shooting himself in Henry County. Howard said her office was aware Cotina filed a temporary protective order against Wayne in April and it was violated.
That led to criminal charges against him, filed by the DA's Office.
Walker says she encourages those who are experiencing domestic violence to speak up and wants them to know that they are not alone.
“If you see someone that you believe is in an abusive relationship, let them know that you support them,” Walker said.
Wayne was granted bond in July despite the DA’s office's opposition.
“We refused to drop the charges because we believe that Wayne Fuller posed a danger not only to Cotina Fuller but to the community as well,” Howard said.
Howard called for better risk assessment tools in court to determine if a suspect poses a threat.
Cotina later asked for the aggravated stalking charge and TPO to be dropped. The judge dropped the TPO but the DA's office refused to drop the aggravated stalking charge.
“We must take every threat seriously even when victims themselves may downplay the danger,” Howard said.
Wayne Fuller was able to make a bond despite the DA’s office vocalizing concerns that he was a threat to the community.
If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, it is important to know there are resources here in Central Georgia.
You can call the crisis line and safe house at 478-745-9292. There are also "wings" in Dublin, A state-certified family violence and sexual assault intervention program.
The family is asking for anyone to donate to their mother's GoFundMe.