The spotlight is on Tennessee for recently being ranked fourth worst state in the Nation in domestic violence murders. Fayette Cares recognizes the crucial need for an improved response to this devastating crime and is bringing valuable domestic violence training to frontline responders. In collaboration with the University of Tennessee Law Enforcement Innovation Center, a FREE Domestic Violence Law Enforcement Training is being offered October 31st – November 3rd at the new UT Martin Somerville Campus.
Space is still available for law enforcement and victim service professionals who would like to participate in this Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) certified training. To closeout October, which is National Domestic Violence Awareness Month, the four day, 32 hour class will cover laws related to domestic violence, sexual violence, and stalking, with a focus on working to bring a suspect to justice. They will learn how to thoroughly investigate cases, including writing detailed reports, recording victim statements, and photographing the scene. Interviewing protocols will also be taught, offering techniques to address all parties involved including child witnesses.
During the training Fayette Cares Victim Advocates will share information about the new Lethality Assessment Program being implemented in Fayette County. Through this program Fayette Cares will partner with the Somerville Police Department to identify victims who are at the greatest risk of being murdered. The agencies will be trained to intervene immediately and deliver life-saving services.
Lunch will be provided to training participants and is being contributed by local faith communities. St. Philip the Apostle Catholic Church’s Knights of Columbus and Women’s Auxiliary were the first to sign up to help, seeing this as a great way to show their appreciation for law enforcement and the work they do to keep victims safe and hold batterers accountable. Additional churches are needed to sponsor meals and snacks.
To learn more about the training or provide meals for participants, visit FayetteCares.org/events or call (901) 465-3802 x 221.
