Victim Services Unit

Sheriff John Shearon is diligently working to end domestic violence in Chilton County. To help accomplish this, a Victim Services Unit has been established at the Sheriff's office within the Chilton County Courthouse. The purpose of the unit is to ensure protection of victims' rights and enforcement of laws and regulations pertaining to crime victims. Victims' needs are met as they are informed of court proceedings, assisted with restitution and/or compensation, and referred to community organizations who assist with emergency shelter, counseling, and basic daily living needs. In October, a Domestic Violence Training Conference will be held for all Chilton County Sheriff's Department Personnel to ensure that victims' trauma is reduced and that their recovery is expedited as much as possible.  

Domestic Violence is coercive power and control by a person over their intimate partner in order to deny victims their ability to live safely and with self-sufficiency.  Many abusive tactics exist including physical harm, emotional, isolation, financial, use of children, intimidation, and blaming. It is critically important that the Victim Services Unit provides domestic violence education to victims so that they are able to recognize all of the different types of abuse that may be happening to them. Also, victims are emotionally supported and empowered to lead safe lives free of fear and violence which includes establishing immediate and long-term safety plans. The goal to end domestic violence is attainable with a collaboration between law enforcement and the victim services advocate to recognize the signs and symptoms of domestic violence and educate about the cycle of violence, fight for social justice, instill maximum hope, promote self efficacy, and aid in sustaining change for victims.

Gina Mims Whatley serves as the new domestic violence victim advocate. She was born in Clanton and resides here with her husband, Harold, and their chocolate lab, Aubie, who is being trained to be a therapy dog. Gina and Harold enjoy helping others and traveling. Mrs. Whatley currently serves as a Central Alabama Wellness board member and has received domestic violence training through the National Association of Victim Assistance, Mrs. Mitzie Wheat - Victim Advocate with the Calera Police Department, the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office: Law Enforcement Based Victim Assistance Training, and the Domestic Violence Intervention Center in Lee County, Alabama. Mrs. Whatley graduated, Summa Cum Laude, from Auburn University with her Master of Social Work degree in 2021. Her accomplishments at Auburn include being inducted into the Phi Kappa Phi and Phi Alpha Honor Societies, receiving the social work student "Character Award," and was an Auburn University "Be the Creed" Nominee. While at Auburn, Gina completed extensive evidence-based research on the physical, mental, emotional, and financial consequences that result from domestic violence; this research will help guide her ability to assist victims with compassion and precision. Anyone needing victim assistance can reach Mrs. Whatley by calling the Sheriff's office at 205-755-4698 Ext. 4208 or by going to the Chilton County Courthouse Room 204.

This project is being supported by Subgrant #2024-WF-LE-134 awarded by the Law Enforcement/Traffic Safety Division of ADECA for the Office on Violence Against Women, U.S. Department of Justice's STOP Formula Grant Program. The grant provides 75% of the costs for the new victim services unit and the Chilton County Commission is providing for the remaining 25%.