Domestic Violence Awareness Month in October is an important time to bring awareness to the fact that “Love Shouldn’t Hurt.”
It’s also a time to discuss the importance of treatment options for people who use violence in their relationships–such as Batterer’s Intervention program at Family Service–the impact on children of witnessing domestic violence, teen dating violence, and elder abuse. For all these reasons, Family Service is a member of the Family Violence Coordinating Council, along with TAP Domestic Violence Services (TAP DVS), Salvation Army Turning Point, Sexual Assault Response Awareness (SARA), and Children’s Trust.
President and CEO Sharon Thacker and Director of Counseling and Language Access Jamie Starkey serve on the Family Violence Coordinating Council.
For all the ways you can get involved, including Purple Power Days and books to read, download the 30 Days of Awareness Calendar. Also, read “Why Don’t They Leave” by Stacey Sheppard of TAP DVS. She talks about Myths of Domestic Violence and what you can do to help.
How to get involved locally:
Monday, Oct. 8 – Resilience Matters Most (a conference co-sponsored by TAP DVS) at the Jefferson Center 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
Friday, Oct. 12 – A Walk in Their Shoes at Horton Plaza (formerly SunTrust Plaza) 3-5 p.m.
Saturday, Oct. 13 – Beauty Behind the Ashes at The Vine Church (1132 Loudon Ave NW)
Saturday, Oct. 20 – Franklin County Family Resource Center 5K and Domestic Violence Awareness event, Boones Mill
Thursday, Oct. 25 – Address Confidentiality Program by the Office of Attorney General and TAP DVS for service providers at the Jefferson Center.
Hot to get involved in #DVAM2018 initiatives:
Put a nail in it– paint your nail purple to have conversations regarding domestic violence and intimate partner violence
Purple Purse Challenge (Allstate Foundation)- raise money for domestic violence and victims
The Power of Purple– wear purple to engage conversations about domestic violence, prevention and advocacy
NO MORE Campaign – to end Sexual and Domestic Assault
To learn more about Batterer’s Intervention, tune into Living Local on WFXR on Monday, Oct. 8 and attend If These Walls Could Talk on Thursday, Oct. 11 at 8:30 a.m.
