The Upper Cumberland Family Justice Center celebrating five years of providing specialized support services to survivors of domestic violence in Overton County.
Site Coordinator Brittany Shaw said the organization operates as a one-stop shop where domestic violence and sexual and elder abuse victims can access order of protection assistance and referrals to community partners. Shaw said the presence of the center is vital because Overton County is a rural area where specialized services for abuse victims are often difficult to find.
“Serving victims of crime and being able to help a victim that has been in a domestic violence relationship and being able to stand beside them in court and help them find their voice and actually get out of the abuse,” Shaw said. “I feel like that’s probably one of the most rewarding things that we do at the center.”
Shaw said the center has spent the last five years building trust and establishing working relationships with the District Attorney’s Office and Genesis House. Shaw said the daily operations of the site involve reviewing law enforcement reports to contact victims and conducting intake interviews for those who walk through the door.
“Those are very scary situations and I couldn’t imagine going in alone on one of those situations,” Shaw said. “Especially knowing like how the court system works. And just having someone there to help me throughout the process would just make me feel better and I feel like it makes our clients feel a little bit more at ease through the process.”
Shaw said the center provides a wide range of assistance including help with hygiene products, food, housing and legal aid. Shaw said victims in small counties often face a stigma of embarrassment because many residents know each other, which can create a barrier to seeking help.
“Because a lot of times if someone is not there to help a victim navigate the system, a lot of times they won’t follow through like with an order protection,” Shaw said. “If you have to go to court and face your abuser and you’re alone, that’s super scary. And a lot of times dismissals happen in those circumstances.”
Shaw said many domestic violence victims are isolated from friends and family by their partners, leaving them without a traditional support system. Shaw said the center acts as a bridge for communication with law enforcement and provides emotional support for clients who are struggling.
Shaw said the organization is currently focusing on expanding education regarding elder abuse due to a national uptick in those cases. Shaw said all services provided by the center are free of charge and victims can contact the office anonymously if they have safety concerns.
Shaw said continued community response and support is necessary for the office’s success in years ahead.
