5th annual Masquerade Ball coming Sept. 25
CULLMAN, Ala. – Victim Services of Cullman offers a full range of no-cost services for survivors of domestic violence and recently shared a need for teens and shelter supplies. If you would like to help, please visit www.victimservices.online/give-a-donation or call 256-775-2600.
Executive Director Jessica Atchley said Cullman County sees hundreds of domestic violence reports each year — almost one every day, but these numbers are only part of the story.
“Because for over 1,000 people each year, it starts with a call: ‘Can you help me? I don’t know where else to go,’” Atchley said. “That’s how so many of the calls to our 24/7 crisis line begin. Behind each one is a story of fear, desperation — and hope. Victim Services of Cullman is often the first voice someone hears after fleeing abuse. Sometimes, we’re the only voice willing to listen.”
Atchley said the real impact lies in what happens next: A mother and her children find safety in the emergency shelter.
”A survivor walks into court, not alone but with an advocate by her side,” Atchley said. “A child begins to sleep through the night again, knowing they are finally safe. Without our agency, there is no shelter. No crisis line. No counseling. No safety net. Survivors would be left to face trauma alone, without the resources they need to heal, rebuild and move forward. Victim Services exists because everyone deserves a chance to feel safe again. In Cullman County, we’re not just a service — we’re often the turning point between surviving and truly living.”
Victim Services offers a 24-hour crisis line and emergency shelter, legal advocacy and protection order assistance, counseling, support groups, case management, specialized services for children and families, transitional housing and relocation support, and prevention education in schools and the community.
Atchley said that every program they offer is built to meet survivors where they are — whether they need a safe night’s rest, a voice in court or a path to long-term healing.
”For the young people we serve — many of whom have witnessed or experienced unimaginable trauma — these items are more than just ‘stuff,’” Atchley said. “A soft sweatshirt can feel like a safety net. A journal becomes a place to unload what can’t be said out loud. Art and makeup let them reclaim their voice, their creativity, their identity. This request is part of our ongoing effort to meet kids where they are emotionally. Whether they’re staying in a shelter with a parent, attending one of our school-based programs or coming to counseling sessions, we want them to feel seen, supported and empowered. These items help us build trust, offer moments of joy and give them tools to process and heal. Sometimes healing starts with something as simple as a sketchbook or an eyeshadow palette — and we’re so grateful to the community for helping us make those moments possible.”
Victim Services’ fifth annual Masquerade Ball will take place Thursday, Sept. 25, at Stone Bridge Farms. It’s not just a beautiful night; it’s the nonprofit’s biggest fundraiser of the year, and it plays a critical role in keeping services going strong. (Get more information about the event at https://brand.site/vsoc.)
“Every ticket, every sponsorship and every auction bid helps ensure our crisis line stays open, our shelter stays stocked and our advocates can keep showing up — day or night — for the people who need us most,” Atchley said. “But this year’s ball carries even more weight. We’ll be announcing the launch of new programming in 2026 — initiatives that will expand our reach, provide deeper support and close dangerous service gaps in our community. We’ve listened closely to what survivors need most, and now we’re answering that call. We hope the community will show up not just for the gowns and glitter — but for the mission. Because what happens that night helps us change lives all year long.”
Victim Services of Cullman’s administrative office is located at 310 Third Ave. NE. The office is open Monday-Friday 8 a.m.- 4:30 p.m. Get more information at www.victimservices.online. The 24-hour crisis line number is 256-734-6100.
