In October Fayette Cares unites community members, joining as a nation to mourn those whose lives were taken by domestic violence, celebrate those who have survived, and work to break the cycle of abuse.
A Bureau of Justice Statistics Crime Data Brief indicates that in the U.S. three women are killed every day at the hands of a current or former intimate partner. According to reports form the Centers for Disease Control 1 in 15 children are exposed to intimate partner violence each year, and 90% of these children are eyewitnesses to this violence.
In 2016 Fayette Cares is expected to serve more than 300 families affected by abuse, an estimated 34% increase from last year. The agency works in partnership with law enforcement officials, health care providers, faith communities, educators, and other concerned citizens to end domestic violence.
Recently Fayette Cares coordinated a free Domestic Violence Law Enforcement Training facilitated by the University of Tennessee Law Enforcement Innovation Center. Prosecutors and Lieutenants form throughout Tennessee presented to a full-house of 45 attendees including law enforcement and victim service professionals.
The group learned about laws related to domestic violence, sexual violence, and stalking, with a focus on working with prosecutors to bring a suspect to justice. They learned how to properly and thoroughly investigate cases, including writing detailed reports, recording victim statements, and photographing the scene. Interviewing protocols were taught, offering techniques to address all parties involved including child witnesses.
Fayette Cares Victim Advocate Mara White introduced promising practices using a lethality assessment tool to enhance victim safety. White also discussed the importance of partnering with victim services to assist victims and hold abusers accountable.
The event was hosted by Fayette Baptist Church and each day officers were provided lunch and snacks from St. Philip the Apostle Catholic Church Women’s Auxiliary, Warren Community Church, Mt. Zion Church, and Hickory Withe Presbyterian.
