CULLMAN, Ala. – The Willow Path, formerly known as Victim Services of Cullman, is celebrating 35 years of service. It has helped survivors of domestic violence and stood by them through the process of healing, offering safety and hope in times of uncertainty.
“While the organization’s public name has evolved to The Willow Path, its mission has remained the same: ensuring that no survivor has to face abuse alone,” Executive Director Jessica Atchley remarked.
Atchley has been with Willow Path for roughly three years.
In 2026 she told the Tribune, “I am honored to join Victim Services and be part of an organization that plays a crucial role in supporting survivors and promoting healing within our community. I am committed to building on the strong foundation laid by my predecessor and working collaboratively with the dedicated team at Victim Services.”
The nonprofit is the county’s only comprehensive domestic violence service provider, offering services 24 hours a day, seven days a week to individuals and families seeking safety and support.
The shelter can house individuals for roughly 1-3 months, but cases can vary due to there being a capacity of 24 beds at the time.
It takes anywhere from 600 to 800 crisis calls a year, but its work goes beyond that.
On average the shelter goes through 100 laundry pods, 40 rolls of toilet paper, 20 rolls of paper towels, 60 garbage bags and five cases of bottled water a week. That exceeds $500 every single month in basic necessities alone.
The nonprofit invites churches, businesses, offices and teams to donate or volunteer. Contact The Willow Path through Facebook Messenger or call 256-775-2600.
Donations can be made directly through The Willow Circle at www.www.thewillowpath.org/the-willow-circle.
“Domestic violence is not just a private issue, it is a community issue. Every conversation, every donation, every volunteer hour and every act of support helps create a safer Cullman County,” Atchley said.
Another way to help those surviving abuse is to know the signs of abuse. Atchley wrote the following tips for recognizing several layers of abuse and measures of prevention:
Domestic violence is more than physical abuse
One of the greatest misconceptions surrounding domestic violence is that it only involves physical violence. While physical assault is one form of abuse, many victims experience other forms of control long before physical violence occurs.
Domestic violence is a pattern of behaviors used by one person to gain and maintain power and control over another.
These behaviors may include:
- Emotional and psychological abuse – Constant criticism, manipulation, intimidation, humiliation, isolation from family and friends, threats or making someone question their own reality and self-worth.
- Financial abuse – Controlling money, preventing someone from working, withholding financial resources, ruining credit or creating financial dependence that makes leaving more difficult.
- Verbal abuse – Name-calling, insults, yelling, threats and degrading language intended to diminish confidence and create fear.
- Sexual abuse – Any unwanted sexual contact, coercion, reproductive control or sexual activity without consent, regardless of marital or relationship status.
- Digital abuse – Monitoring phones, demanding passwords, tracking locations, controlling social media accounts, excessive texting or calling or using technology to intimidate or control.
- Stalking and harassment – Repeated unwanted contact, following someone, showing up unexpectedly or creating fear through persistent surveillance or intimidation.
Because many forms of abuse leave no visible injuries, victims often struggle to recognize that what they are experiencing is abuse. Friends, family members, coworkers and neighbors may also overlook warning signs when they expect abuse to be physical.
Prevention through education
While The Willow Path provides life-saving crisis services every day, the organization also believes the best way to reduce domestic violence is through prevention.
Throughout the year, staff members provide prevention education in local schools, healthy relationship education for teens, child safety programs for elementary students, trauma-informed training for foster families and educational opportunities for healthcare providers and community partners.
By teaching children and young adults about healthy relationships, boundaries, respect, consent and available resources, the organization hopes to prevent violence before it begins.
A growing need
The need for services continues to increase across Cullman County.
Over the past year, The Willow Path experienced a 68.5% increase in emergency shelter stays, a 48.8% increase in the number of individuals served, a 100% increase in successful program completions and a 40% increase in clients achieving stable housing outcomes. These numbers represent more than statistics — they represent individuals and families who found safety, support and hope during times of crisis.
Celebrating 35 years of service
This year marks 35 years of serving Cullman County, and the organization is celebrating this milestone by reflecting on the lives changed, the partnerships built and the community that has supported its mission for more than three decades.
As part of the anniversary celebration, The Willow Path is inviting the community to attend its signature annual fundraiser:
Passport Series: A Night in the French Quarter
Guests will enjoy an evening inspired by New Orleans, featuring authentic Cajun cuisine, live entertainment, exciting auctions and opportunities to support local survivors of domestic violence.
Date: Sept. 17, 2026
Location: Cotton Creek Venue
Every dollar raised helps ensure that victims and their children have access to emergency shelter, advocacy, counseling, prevention education and the support they need to build safer futures.
Tickets are on sale now at https://donorbox.org/events/954963/steps/choose_tickets.
How the community can help
Domestic violence is not just a private issue — it is a community issue. Every conversation, every donation, every volunteer hour and every act of support helps create a safer Cullman County.
As The Willow Path celebrates 35 years of service, the organization remains committed to walking alongside survivors, educating future generations and working toward a community where every individual can live free from fear and violence.
“The Willow Path provides emergency shelter, counseling, legal advocacy and personalized support for survivors of domestic violence in Cullman County. Whether you’re reaching out for the first time or rebuilding after crisis, we walk with you toward safety, strength and new beginnings.”
The next meeting of its Domestic Violence Support Group will take place on Thursday, Aug. 6, at 4 p.m. Call 256-775-2600 to get support.
The Willow Path is located at 310 Third Ave. NE, Cullman.
For more information on the shelter and other services, visit www.thewillowpath.org or call 256-775-2600. A 24-hour crisis line is available at 256-734-6100.
