A delegation of legislators, law enforcement agents and domestic violence specialists gathered Friday for a ribbon cutting ceremony to open the Domestic Violence and Rape Crisis Center of Scotland County at its new location. According to Executive Director Gerry Johnson, the time was right for a move.

"We had been leasing our old facility for almost 10 years, " Johnson said. "It made sense for us to have our own place."

Last year the Center provided 278 services to victims of domestic violence and answered 2,500 calls on their emergency hotline.

"We're just about even with the national average," Johnson said. "Our statistics are 'right down the line' in reflecting the demographics of our area."

A number of community leaders were on hand for the ceremony, including Laurinburg Mayor Matthew Block, Scotland County Sheriff Shep Jones, County Commissioner Guy McCook, County Manager Kevin Patterson, and others. Sen. Bill Purcell and Reps. Doug Yongue and Garland Pierce all addressed the assembly.

Pierce spoke on the need for shelters such as these to exist.

"Victims of domestic violence and sexual abuse definitely need a safe haven while they attempt to put their lives back together," Pierce said. "I am very pleased to see this new facility in place."

Johnson thanked the North Carolina Housing Finance Agency for their donation of $402,000, which was the primary source of funding for the new center. The domestic violence center raised an additional 25 percent to cover the cost of the new facility.

Mary Reca Todd, manager of supportive housing for the state agency, told the assembly that she and her staff were "very happy" to see the new center become a reality.

"And I would like to ask you to remember to thank your legislators for supporting this project and helping to see that it came to pass."

Johnson inivites anyone who feels they are a victim of domestic violence or sexual assault to call the Domestic Violence and Rape Crisis Center hotline at 276-6268.

"Call our hotline, discuss your situation with the shelter assistants, and we will help you decide what is the best step for you to take," Johnson said.