SSPD Victim Advocate
Caity Donegan is the Victim Advocate for Sandy Springs Police Department and a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. She graduated from Kennesaw State University in 2014 with her Master’s in Social Work. Caity began her social work career as a child therapist and a forensic interviewer for child abuse investigations. In 2016, she worked as a hospital Emergency Room social worker at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta. In 2018, Caity joined the Sandy Springs Police Department where she has been the advocate for victims of crimes and connecting people with resources.
Caity Donegan can be contacted via email or phone at 770-551-6908.
Katelyn Penn is one of the Victim Advocates for Sandy Springs Police Department and a licensed Social Worker. She graduated from Kennesaw State University in 2018 with her Master’s in Social Work. Katelyn began her career as a social worker for Communities In Schools of Atlanta where she provided case management, advocacy, and resources to students and their families within the Atlanta Public School district. In 2020, she started working at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta with the Child Protection Team as the Family Advocate where she advocated for children who were victims of child abuse. In 2022, Katelyn joined the Sandy Springs Police Department where she has been the advocate for victims of crimes and providing resources to individuals in need.
Katelyn Penn can be contacted via email or phone at 770-551-6940.
Domestic Violence Information & Resources
Victims of Domestic Violence, YOU ARE NOT ALONE! We understand that those who are surviving domestic violence may be experiencing increased isolation and danger as a result of the social distancing measures during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Sandy Springs Police Department realizes that some domestic violence survivors are already more vulnerable to economic and health insecurity and now have to face additional challenges during these unprecedented times. The Sandy Springs Police Department wants you to KNOW that you are not alone and that we are here to help you in addition to letting you know what resources are available to you.
Did you know that?
- 1 in 4 women and 1 in 7 men have experienced severe physical violence by an intimate partner at some point in their lifetime
- More than 1,600 Georgia citizens have lost their live due to domestic violence between the years of 2003 and 2006
- In 2015, law enforcement officers responded to over 65,000 family violence incidents in Georgia. Within that same year, over 24,500 protective and stalking orders were issued
- In 2016, over 5,390 victims and children were provided with refuge at a Georgia domestic violence shelter
Did you know that a new Georgia law (OCGA 44-7-23) allows victims of domestic violence to end a lease agreement without penalty?
Effective July 1, 2018, this law allows survivors who are trying to escape their abusers to end their lease agreements early without penalty.
Tenants who give their landlords a written notice of termination and an order of protection from the court can end their residential rental or lease agreement for real estate without penalty, effective 30 days after receipt of written notice.
Domestic Violence Resources
The following hotlines assist with domestic violence situations including: shelters, safety planning, counseling and other resources
- Partnership Against Domestic Violence 404-873-1766
- Safe Families Office 404-612-4324
- National Domestic Violence Hotline 1-800-799-7233
- Georgia Domestic Violence Hotline 1-800-334-2836
- Ahimsa House (animal shelter for DV households) 404-452-6248
For instructions on how to file for a Temporary Protective Order (TPO) in Fulton County please visit the Domestic Violence Resource page on the Fulton County Superior Court website.
Our Sandy Springs Police Department Victim Advocates are available to talk with you and answer any questions related to Temporary Protective Orders.