By Pete Gawda
Criminal Court Clerk Mike Hammond has a passion for alleviating domestic violence. Last October, he announced the new Bridge to Safety program to help victims of domestic violence and, at his invitation, about 50 people gathered at the Randall E. Nichols Family Justice Center on Tuesday, July 7, for a domestic violence focus forum.
Participants were law enforcement officials, court officials and representatives of several organizations, such as the YMCA and Legal Aid of East Tennessee, that deal with the many facets of domestic violence. There was even a representative from Young Williams Animal Center since it was recognized that domestic violence and animal cruelty are sometimes related.
Hammond said his emphasis for the next four years would be on alleviating domestic violence. He said the participants were there to help with a plan to accomplish that goal. While noting that some government plans end up sitting on a shelf, Hammond said that would not be the case with the results from the forum.
“We can do better,” he said.
The event was facilitated by Jeannie Dulaney and Beth Hamil of Dulaney & Hamil Consulting Services, an organization that helps private and government agencies with such things as strategic planning and meeting and retreat facilitating.
“What you all are doing is so important,” said Dulaney
The participants sat in groups and discussed among themselves the current situation with domestic violence, what they were doing wrong and what could be done to improve the situation.
Hamil noted that there are instances of domestic violence all over Knoxville; it is a cycle hard to break, and the system was hard to operate. She said one of the purposes of the forum was for participants to work better together. Participants were encouraged to get to know the people around them so they could refer their clients to them. “We know this is complicated and there is not a quick fix,” she said
It was noted that domestic violence can be emotional as well as physical. The lack of affordable and available housing was seen as a contributing factor. It was noted that there was a need for a program for violent offenders to get well again. One participant said there needs to be more mental health services for children. A factor that was noted by many participants was the lack of funding. It was suggested that a resource list be prepared so that everyone would know what was available.
Victims of domestic violence can contact Bridge to Safety by calling (865)215-3221 or 865-215-SAFE (7233), emailing bridgetosafety@knoxcounty.org, or going to www.bridgetosafetytn.org. Bridge to Safety is an organization endorsed by Knox County Mayor Glenn Jacobs, District Attorney Charme Allen, Knox County Sheriff Tom Spangler and Hammond. Bridge to Safety offers 24/7 crisis intervention, legal support, multilingual technology support and advocacy.
