In a move to raise awareness and support survivors, Governor Bill Lee has officially declared October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month in Tennessee. According to the TBI 2023 Crime Report, there were 60,184 reported domestic violence incidents in the state last year. Efforts to combat domestic violence are supported by the Office of Criminal Justice Programs (OCJP), which provides federal funding to over 40 domestic violence programs in Tennessee. These programs offer crucial services such as information and referrals, counseling, advocacy, court advocacy, and shelter or transitional housing for those affected.
Family Justice Centers across various counties, including Anderson, Claiborne, Davidson, and Hamilton, offer a comprehensive range of support services. These centers are designed to assist victims in planning for safety, interacting with law enforcement or prosecutors, receiving medical care, finding shelter, and accessing help with transportation or childcare. Jennifer Brinkman, Director of the Office of Criminal Justice Programs, emphasized the importance of these centers, stating they provide resources necessary for survivors to navigate their path forward.
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For more details, Governor Lee’s proclamation can be read online. For immediate support, the Tennessee 24-hour Domestic Violence hotline is available at 1-800-356-6767.
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Memphis Nonprofits Receive DOJ Grants for Justice Initiatives
Two Memphis-based nonprofit organizations have been awarded over $2 million in grants from the Department of Justice to support justice-related initiatives in West Tennessee. The Returning Neighbor’s Program received $999,101 to provide housing and services for recently released individuals, aiming to reduce recidivism. Heal 901 was awarded $1,764,992 to implement a community violence intervention and prevention program designed to reduce violent crime in the area.