KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. It was launched nationwide in 1987 as a way to connect individuals experiencing domestic abuse with resources.
Domestic violence includes physical abuse, but it's not limited to that. There is physical, sexual, psychological, emotional, and financial abuse, as well as neglect.
Catherine Oaks is the director of victim services at the McNabb Center. She explained how all those different forms of abuse can contribute to coercive control.
"There is definitely a large spectrum of domestic violence," Oaks said. "It really can tear someone's psyche down, their self-esteem down, it really can cause a lot of emotional issues for someone that has been victimized."
In the state of Tennessee, one in every four women will experience domestic violence. So will one in every seven men.
"It is something that literally touches our entire community," said Kathryn Ellis, the executive director of the Family Justice Center. "It is one of our top issues as far as crime statistics."
The Family Justice Center (FJC) serves as the hub of domestic violence services for all of Knoxville and Knox County. The building hosts eight onsite partners and about 30 or 40 offsite partners.
"We try to make it so that a victim only has to come to one place," Ellis said.
Domestic violence is a prevalent issue in Knox County. According to the Knoxville Police Department and Knox County Sheriff's Office, a domestic violence-related emergency call is placed every 30 minutes. These agencies also say these are the most dangerous calls to respond to.
In 2021, 1,948 people came to the JFC seeking assistance. There, they can find a domestic violence shelter to live in, and find therapies, and legal aid.
"When people say, Oh, that's not happening in my neighborhood, or that's not happening in my family. It is it simply is," Ellis said.
If you or someone you know is experiencing abuse, the easiest way to get help is to call the local domestic violence hotline: 865-637-8000. It is the best number to use to connect victims with local shelters, child care, legal aid, and other help. This number can be used for anyone living in East Tennessee.
You can also visit the Family Justice Center in Knoxville, off Martin Luther King Jr. Ave. There is no appointment necessary.
The YWCA's Victim Advocacy Program provides assistance to victims by issuing orders of protection, accompanying victims to court, conducting danger assessments, and developing safety plans.
Iva's Place is a nonprofit that has served domestic violence victims since 1991. Based in Lenoir City, the organization offers crisis intervention, evidence-based and trauma-focused therapy, safety planning, parenting education and more.
In Knox County, there's an average of 164 orders of protection filed every month.
The District Attorney's office prosecuted more than 2,000 domestic violence cases in 2021. Domestic disputes trigger 28% of all warrants taken in Knox County. DA Charme Allen said her office prosecutes abusers to the fullest extent of the law.
If you are in immediate danger, call 911.
If you're not ready to take those steps. Talk to a friend or family member that you trust.
"Victims need to be heard, they need to be believed. And if somebody tells you that they are a victim, you need to do what you can to support them," Ellis said.
