From the Daily Tar Heel
A UNC School of Social Work faculty member will again serve on the North Carolina Domestic Violence Commission.
Rebecca Macy, associate dean for academic affairs, was one of eight people appointed by Gov. Pat McCrory to the commission Jan. 23.
This will be Macy’s second two-year term on the commission, having originally been appointed by former Gov. Bev Perdue in 2012.
Macy also serves as the chair of the Victim’s Services Committee which reports to the Governor’s Crime Commission.
Macy said she got involved with the issue of domestic violence working as a social worker at a mental health center 20 years ago. Many of the women she worked with were survivors of sexual assault, domestic violence or both.
“I had clients that were in really terrible situations,” Macy said. “They would walk out the door, and I didn’t know if I would see them again.”
The responsibility of the commission, which is composed of 39 total members appointed by the governor and N.C. General Assembly, is to develop policies and practices for the state and to ensure victims have access to the necessary services and programs.
Macy focused while completing her doctorate on how victims of domestic violence and sexual assault cope.
“There wasn’t a lot of research about best practices to help victims,” she said.
Mary Williams-Stover, assistant director of the N.C. Council for Women, said Macy’s research has been important to the state.
“She’s very committed to improving knowledge about various methods of prevention and intervention,” she said.
The council provides the necessary labor so the Domestic Violence Commission can facilitate education and training programs.
Jack Richman, dean of the School of Social Work, said Macy brings a scholarly aspect to the commission.
“When policy-makers start asking, Rebecca is someone who knows and actually has research-based evidence,” Richman said.
Macy said she is looking forward to her next term.
“I’m thrilled to have the opportunity to help the state,” Macy said.
“The kids are not alone. The women are not alone.”
