JACKSON, Tenn. – Each year in October, advocates, survivors and supporters recognize October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM).
According to a press release from Jenci Spradlin – Domestic Violence Response Manager, Jackson/Madison County – this October, WRAP (Wo’Men’s Resource and Rape Assistance Program) advocates located throughout its 19 county service area in West Tennessee will join other state and territorial coalitions across the nation to start a coordinated national conversation about domestic violence and how we can all work together to prevent domestic violence, to address its brutal and destructive effects, and to make ending domestic violence a community priority.
More prevalent than most realize, domestic violence is experienced by one in four women and one in seven men in their lifetimes. Anyone, regardless of gender, race, sexual identity or orientation, or socio-economic status, can become a victim of domestic violence. While most commonly associated with acts of physical violence, domestic violence can include verbal, emotional and financial abuse, destruction of property, isolation from friends and family, and harassment and intimidation, to name a few. In 2020, WRAP provided services to over 2,000 survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault in West Tennessee.
“Domestic abuse and sexual assault remains a hidden problem in our communities,” said Daryl Chansuthus, Executive Director of WRAP. “It is characterized by silence—silence from those who suffer, silence from those around them, and silence from those who perpetrate abuse. This silence is corrosive; it leaves women, children, and men carrying the burden of shame. It prevents them from speaking out about their abuse and it prevents them from getting help. At its worst, it can be and has been fatal to our families in West Tennessee.”
On Tues., Oct. 5, the City of Jackson and Madison County issued a joint proclamation at Jackson City Hall recognizing October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month and urging all citizens to become aware of this destructive force in our community and to become part of the efforts to build safe, stable, nurturing relationships and families.
WRAP advocates throughout the region are collaborating with the counties they serve in a variety of ways, including proclamations, pledges and special events. Advocates will also be delivering informational posters and brochures to area businesses, including a new “Employer Toolkit” filled with resources businesses can use to support the wellbeing of their employees. WRAP will host live discussions on its Facebook page as well.
WRAP (Wo/Men’s Resource & Rape Assistance Program) is a non-profit agency that provides trauma informed supportive services to survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault and their families. Services are free and confidential and include a 24/7 helpline, counseling, safety planning, safe homes, hospital and court accompaniment, advocacy, and resource linkage. WRAP serves 19 counties in West Tennessee. For more information, visit their website at www.wraptn.org, their Facebook page at WrapWestTN, or call their 24/7 helpline at 800-273-8712.
(PHOTO: Jenci Spradlin – Domestic Violence Response Manager, Jackson/Madison County receives joint proclamation from the City of Jackson and Madison County at Jackson City Hall recognizing October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month)
