The Upper Cumberland Family Justice Center focused on awareness for domestic violence with Purple Thursday.
Consolidated Community Response Specialist Liz Shanks said the date recognizes domestic violence survivors through purple, a symbolic expression of support. Shanks said the center aims to represent survivors in moments they cannot represent themselves.
“It’s more common than we all know and it could be your neighbor,” Shanks said. “So just kinda keep your eyes and ears open and listen and pay attention to people, and be that person that they can come to and just be a voice for them.”
Shanks said domestic violence can take many forms, making it difficult to spot struggling friends and family.
“It can be emotional, you know, you can have isolation and control abuse, physical abuse,” Shanks said. “It can be all sorts of different forms of domestic violence, so, you know, just be aware of your people and check on them.”
Shanks said friends and family should offer a safe space to loved ones fleeing a violent home.
Shanks said to get the the police involved and seek a safe house if involved in a domestic violence situation. The center Genesis House and safe home are open to domestic violence survivors.
“They can come and stay and get away from that abuse,” Shanks said. “And hopefully that would be the same thing with your loved ones at home, that they would get you away from the situation.”
Shanks said domestic violence can impact survivor finances, self-esteem and relationship dynamics. Shanks said some emotional abuse survivors become isolated from others. Shank said abusers isolate the victim as a form of control. Shanks said not all signs of abuse are prevalent.
“You see bruising,” Shanks said. “Or they isolate themselves, or you don’t hear from them as much. It just comes from them in different forms.”
October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month.
