October declared as ‘Domestic Violence Awareness Month’

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) — Hamilton County along with the city of Chattanooga and partnering organizations issued a proclamation Friday afternoon making the month of October Domestic Violence Awareness Month.

A ceremony was held at the courts building to pay tribute to domestic violence victims and survivors while also promoting awareness of available resources.

“Domestic violence knows no gender, race, ethnicity, socioeconomic level, and it touches every person in our community directly or indirectly,” Executive Director of Chattanooga Hamilton County Family Justice Center Regina McDevitt said.

In 2020, Tennessee had 69,000 reported  incidents of domestic violence.

Advocates spoke on this issue and how it affects everyone in one way or another.

“We serve the most vulnerable in our community across all generations. What we’re highlighting today is our support for victims of domestic violence, to recognize them and to make sure our community is aware unfortunately of the prevalence of domestic violence in our state and community,” CEO of Partnership for Families, Children and Adults Kevin Hyde said.

In 2020 alone, 90 Tennesseans died due to domestic-violence related homicides.

“I think it’s important for people to get educated on domestic violence. And also the resources in our community, because more than likely they know somebody or will know somebody who will need the help. And being ready for that is important,” Director of Victim Support Services at Partnership Carmen Hetson said.

“Everyone deserves a safe and violent-free environment,” McDevitt said.

This proclamation extends far past October is prevalent everyday.

McDevitt added that the theme for this year is ‘Everyone Knows Someone’ because in some way every person is affected by domestic violence.

One of the notorious cases of domestic violence is the death of Jasmine Pace by Jason Chen.

This case is still in court and has impacted many around the community.

“What you’ll find in this community from the criminal justice to the district attorney’s office, the mayors offices, is we all agree this is a zero-tolerance policy. It’s the reason we show up, and make proclamations like this… To send a signal through the community that we’re not a community that looks away from domestic violence,” Hamilton County Mayor Weston Wamp said.

The ceremony honored the lives lost due to domestic violence and also recognized recent victim, Marcella Ervin from Sequatchie County.

Ervin passed away due to a criminal homicide earlier this week on Oct. 3.

Event organizers mentioned that Tennessee ranks tenth in the nation for reported domestic violence.

With the holidays also approaching, centers encourage people to donate to their funds and to support those that are seeking refuge from domestic violence.