See Something, Say Something Event
The Tennessean’s “See Something, Say Something” event, meant to encourage bystanders to speak up and prevent crimes such as sexual assault, was held March 31 at the John Seigenthaler First Amendment Center at Vanderbilt University. The forum featuring District Attorney Glenn Funk, law enforcement and prevention officials included bystander training led by the Sexual Assault Center and the Tennessee Coalition to End Domestic and Sexual Violence.
Glenn Funk to Help Lead Discussion on Domestic and Sexual Violence
District Attorney Glenn Funk will help lead a discussion on domestic and sexual violence next week. The Tennessean’s “See something, Say something,” training aims to teach bystanders how to intervene in and prevent crimes such as sexual assault. The event will be led by the Nashville Sexual Assault Center and the Tennessee Coalition to End Domestic and Sexual Violence.
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Nashville’s DA says There are Three Things We All Can Do to Stop Domestic Violence
As a candidate for District Attorney, Glenn Funk was elected on a platform of bringing renewed attention to the issue of domestic violence in our community. His Domestic Violence Action Plan contains three important and essential elements: Openness and Transparency, Victim Support and Partnerships with law enforcement agencies.
It is both a blessing and a disgrace that the nation’s attention has again been turned to the issue of domestic violence. While it is important that we engage in open and honest dialogue, recent high profile cases are a reminder there are still too many people suffering at the hands of an abusive spouse or partner. Here in Davidson County, half of all violent crime is related to domestic violence. It is essential to our quality of life that we change the culture surrounding this crime. Fortunately, new resources are already being placed on this issue in Nashville. Just this month, Mayor Karl Dean opened the Jean Crowe Advocacy Center where victims of domestic violence can receive assistance as they navigate their way through the court system. Diane Lance and Whitney McFalls have spearheaded this tremendous upgrade in victims’ services.
In the courtroom, General Sessions Court now has a three judge team dedicated to exclusively handling domestic violence cases. In the district attorney’s office, staffing has been increased to eight lawyers who will focus their attention on offering immediate and consistent professional support to victims, holding offenders accountable for their abuse while ensuring public safety. The assistant district attorneys will also work to ensure offenders receive treatment and counseling, through the criminal justice system, in order to change violent behavior and foster healthy relationships.
However, the culture cannot be changed by the court system alone. In order to effect real change, we need every person in the community working together to spread the message that violence in the home is never acceptable. There are three important things everyone can do to begin making a difference.
Get Help. If you or someone you know is in a domestic violence relationship, you must seek help by calling 911 if there is an immediate threat. If the situation is not immediately life-threatening, the YWCA Crisis and Information Line is available 24-hours a day by calling (615)242-1199.
Learn. Domestic violence is a complicated issue; therefore, it is important to learn all you can in order to help. Fortunately, Nashville has many resources. Call the Jean Crowe Advocacy Center at 862-4767 or contact one of the many outstanding organizations in our area including the YWCA of Middle Tennessee, Tennessee Voices for Victims, You Have the Power and Morningstar.
If you witness domestic violence, accept responsibility and assist the judicial system in holding the offender accountable by giving evidence in court of any abuse you witnessed.
Get involved. Support organizations that make a difference in the lives of domestic violence victims. When you give to these groups or volunteer your time, you help victims recover and educate the community about domestic violence.
As District Attorney, I am committed to enhanced victim support and partnerships with police. Having worked in Davidson County courts for nearly 30 years, I have seen, firsthand, the effect of domestic violence on our community and it is devastating. Domestic violence impacts us all. Let’s all do our part help make Nashville a safer place to live and raise a family.