Nashville, Tenn. Gears Up for Change: New Program for Domestic Violence Survivors
In Nashville, Tennessee, a new initiative is providing hope and healing for survivors of domestic violence who may find themselves on the wrong side of the law. The partnership between the Davidson County District Attorney’s Office and the YWCA is called the Survivors First Program, and it’s all about giving those who have suffered abuse a second chance.
A Difficult Reality
Every day, law enforcement officers respond to calls about domestic violence, often finding themselves in heart-wrenching situations. Assistant District Attorney Christina Johnson shared her experiences at a Metro Council meeting focused on this pressing issue. She recounted times when officers had to make tough decisions, sometimes leading to the victim being charged with a misdemeanor crime related to their situation. “I’ve been out to this house five times, and he’s always the abuser. This time, we didn’t want to make the arrest, but he had a scratch on his face and I had to,” Johnson explained with evident frustration. “I hear that frequently.”
Understanding the Survivors
It’s a sobering reality that many survivors might fight back during just the wrong moment or find themselves caught in a complex web of accusations. Johnson shared that the primary goal of this new program is to identify these individuals and offer them support, instead of seeing them face criminal charges. “We are identifying defendants who are survivors of domestic violence who maybe fought back at the wrong time, or their abuser was the first one to call the police,” she stated. This identification leads them away from the criminal justice system and directly into the arms of supportive services provided by the YWCA.
The Mission of the Survivors First Program
The Survivors First Program aims to address the heart of the issue by recognizing that domestic violence victims are often the ones needing protection and support. Rather than being seen through a lens of criminality, the program looks to provide them with resources and help them rebuild their lives. The president and CEO of the YWCA Nashville & Middle Tennessee, Sharon Roberson, emphasized this by saying, “We understand the trauma associated with domestic violence and that often leads individuals to actions that are not typical of them. This gives them a second chance.”
Success So Far
Since the program launched in June, the results have been promising. The Davidson County D.A. Office reports that they have successfully diverted at least 40 cases to the YWCA. The process involves the office reviewing each case, taking into consideration the history of the person involved. If they qualify, the person is then connected to the YWCA’s support services and, afterwards, the case can be returned to the D.A. Office where their record could be expunged.
The Broader Impact
Roberson also highlighted the psychological toll that domestic violence takes on survivors, stating, “There’s a huge psychological impact on an individual involved in a domestic violence relationship.” Through decades of work, the YWCA is very aware of these implications and aims to aid individuals in transforming their lives. The program also collaborates with multiple partners, such as the Tennessee Department of Children’s Services, Meharry-Vanderbilt Alliance, Legal Aid Society, Neighborhood Health, and the Metro Office of Family Safety.
A New Hope
The Survivors First Program stands as a beacon of hope for many in Nashville. It offers not just a way out of a criminal charge, but a pathway to healing, assistance, and ultimately a brighter future. With more cases anticipated to be handled by this innovative program, Nashville is paving the way for change, one survivor at a time.
