Domestic violence shelters on high alert after N.C. shooting

Domestic violence shelters on high alert after N.C. shooting

September 21, 2006

By SONU WASU
6 News Reporter

KNOXVILLE (WATE) -- Many local domestic violence shelters are on high alert after learning of a deadly shooting in Sylva, North Carolina.

Police in Sylva say John Raymond Woodring pushed his way into a domestic violence shelter, and shot and killed his estranged wife who was staying there.

Investigators believe Woodring is now headed to Tennessee or Pennsylvania, where two of his ex-wives live.

Security has become top priority at many safe houses in the surrounding area.

While visiting one safe house, 6 News met a woman from Sylva, North Carolina. She says she left to come to Tennessee because she did not feel safe at the safe house in Sylva.

The woman, who asked her identity be kept anonymous, says visitors were allowed to come and go as they pleased from the safe house in Sylva.

She feels this murder could have been prevented if security there was tighter. "I'm still upset because it shouldn't have happened."

The murder of Janet Woodring hits close to home for this victim. She says she lived in the shelter for a short time when Woodring did.

She remembers Woodring as a quiet woman who did not talk about her problems and took care of all the other women at the shelter.

The victim says everyone in Sylva knew where the safe house was. "Everyone in Sylva and surrounding counties knows where it is. People all the way into Asheville knows where the safe house in Sylva is."

Keeping the location a secret is a challenge for many safe houses but it's one of the most important security measures.

Most of the homes look like any you'd expect to see in any neighborhood. It's for the safety and peace of mind of the victims living in terror of their abusers inside.

Woodring's murder has made victims and advocates of domestic violence realize how fragile their sense of security really is.

Debra Lawson is a survivor and advocate of domestic violence. She says a big challenge is knowing who you can trust. "Who do you trust to keep it confidential? What happened in Sylva only confirms that are true safety issues surrounding domestic violence."

Security begins at the front door at most safe houses. Most of them have special locks that ensure the door can only be opened from the inside.

No visitors are allowed there. Staff say, by law, even police officers or repair men have to notify them before going there on business.

No mail is delivered to the safe house. They have a post office box set up for mail. Some safe houses work with local cab companies to provide rides for women so they can go to work or run errands.

Drivers have to sign confidentiality agreements promising they will not reveal the location of the safe house.

Many homes are protected by at least half a dozen cameras located outside the house. Most are manned 24 hours a day.

Staff will not let anyone into the home unless they know who they are and why they're there.

Women living there have to sign confidentiality agreements and take an oath promising they will never reveal the location, even after they've left.

The doors and windows are locked at all times.

The homes are also protected by sophisticated alarm systems. If the alarm goes off, the alarm company will call the home. If they are not given the right code word,, police are dispatched immediately.

So what happens if an abuser does find out his victim is living there? Staff members say the victim is relocated to another safe house immediately.