Vice Mayor Angie Henderson and Metro Council Public Health and Safety Committee Chair Erin Evans have announced a series of special meetings to address issues related to domestic violence offender accountability. These meetings aim to assess the local criminal justice system’s response to domestic violence cases, spotlighting victim safety and offender accountability, especially in light of recent state legislative changes and local cases that have raised public concern.
The series will include two special committee meetings and an experiential learning opportunity for Metro Council Members, scheduled on three consecutive Wednesdays in October, which is Domestic Violence Awareness Month.
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“Nashville has long been recognized as a national leader in supporting victims of interpersonal violence,” Chair Evans remarked. “A system-wide assessment ten years ago led to the establishment of two Family Justice Centers and various improvements for victim safety. However, recent high-profile domestic violence cases have exposed systemic gaps in offender accountability and community safety. True safety is achieved not only by connecting victims to services but also by ensuring offenders face consequences. These meetings aim to identify local-level changes for a safer future for victims and our city.”
Vice Mayor Henderson emphasized, “In Nashville, domestic violence accounts for nearly half of all violent crimes and 1 in 7 homicides. Its consequences extend beyond the primary victim to children, neighborhoods, and workplaces. Research shows that people who grow up with domestic violence are significantly more likely to commit violent crimes and repeat the cycle in adulthood. The Metro Council aims to enact ordinances that enhance the health, welfare, and safety of all Nashvillians. These special meetings are expected to offer crucial insights for strengthening the local criminal justice response and aligning the Metro budget with this critical need.”
**Schedule:**
**Public Health and Safety Committee Special Meeting on Domestic Violence in Nashville**
– **Who:** Metro Office of Family Safety (OFS)
– **When:** Wednesday, October 16, 2024, 4:00 p.m.
– **Where:** Historic Courthouse and City Hall, Metro Council Chamber
– **Details:** OFS operates both Family Justice Centers and convenes multiple cross-departmental response teams for high-risk domestic violence cases.
**”In Her Shoes” Simulation for Council Members**
– **When:** Wednesday, October 23, 2024, 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
– **Where:** Justice A. A. Birch Building, 408 Second Avenue North
– **Details:** An immersive experience demonstrating the challenges victims face while navigating the criminal justice system. RSVP and additional details to follow.
**Public Health and Safety Committee Special Meeting on Domestic Violence and the Criminal Justice System**
– **Who:** Representatives from the Courts, District Attorney’s Office, Metro Police, and Sheriff’s Office
– **When:** Wednesday, October 30, 2024, 4:00 p.m.
– **Where:** Historic Courthouse, Council Chamber
– **Details:** Discussion on laws and processes affecting victim safety and offender accountability in domestic violence cases.
For more information about Metro Council activities, visit the CouncilConnect page.
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