October is recognized as Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM), and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Tennessee is participating in the observance. Acting U.S. Attorney Reagan Fondren, alongside the U.S. Department of Justice, honors the victims and survivors of domestic violence and acknowledges the commitment of advocates, service providers, justice professionals, law enforcement officers, and first responders who support survivors.
DVAM serves as a reminder to raise awareness and engage communities in efforts to end intimate partner violence. According to the Justice Department’s Office on Violence Against Women, domestic violence is a pattern of abusive behavior in relationships, where one partner seeks to gain or maintain control over the other. It can manifest as physical, sexual, emotional, economic, psychological, or technological abuse and can affect anyone, irrespective of race, age, sexual orientation, religion, sex, or gender identity. Domestic violence spans all socioeconomic backgrounds and educational levels and occurs in both opposite-sex and same-sex relationships, including those who are married, cohabiting, dating, or share a child.
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Acting U.S. Attorney Fondren emphasized the prevalence of domestic violence, stating, “We want the community to know that federal prosecutors for the Western District of Tennessee are using all the tools at our disposal — and leveraging our partnerships with local law enforcement and prosecutors — to ensure victims have a viable path to safety and justice. Our office will continue to prioritize the prosecution of domestic violence offenders who unlawfully possess firearms or whose criminal conduct occurs online or crosses state lines.”
Domestic violence can have lasting impacts and consequences. According to data from the National Domestic Violence Hotline, about one in four women and one in seven men will experience severe domestic violence in their lifetimes. Rates are disproportionately higher among historically underserved populations, including LGBTQI+ individuals, persons with disabilities, and racial and ethnic minorities.
DVAM provides an opportunity to increase awareness and encourage everyone’s involvement in ending gender-based violence. An event called Purple Thursday, which is observed on October 17, 2024, is a National Day of Action during DVAM. People are encouraged to wear purple and start conversations about domestic violence to promote safe communities.
For those in need of support, the National Domestic Violence Hotline is available at 1-800-799-7233, and the Strong Hearts Native Helpline can be reached at 1-844-762-8483. Additional information on domestic violence can be found on the Justice Department’s website.
For further information, the Media Relations Team can be contacted at USATNW.Media@usdoj.gov. Updates from the U.S. Attorney’s Office can be followed on Facebook and X.
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Memphis Nonprofits Receive DOJ Grants for Justice Initiatives
Over $2 million in grants from the Department of Justice have been awarded to two Memphis-based nonprofits to support justice-related initiatives in West Tennessee. The Returning Neighbor’s Program received $999,101 to aid recently released individuals by offering housing and services aimed at reducing recidivism. Heal 901 was awarded $1,764,992 to implement a community violence intervention and prevention program.