UC Family Justice Center Celebrates 5 Years In Overton
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 […]
Tech And Community Unite For Take Back The Night Event
Tennessee Tech will host the Take Back the Night event Tuesday to raise awareness about sexual assault and connect survivors with community resources. Tennessee Tech Associate Professor of Political Science Lauren Harding said the event aims to improve prevention efforts and honor survivors by bringing together advocacy groups from across the area. “We want them […]
Surge In Clients Depletes Genesis House Essential Supplies
An influx of clients seeking refuge from domestic violence and sexual assault over the last six months has critically depleted essential hygiene supplies at Genesis House. Genesis House Safe Home Manager Joy Wright said the organization provides a safe place to stay, food, and clothing for women, children, and occasionally men escaping abusive situations. The […]
Support Domestic Violence Survivors By Wearing Purple
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 […]
Salvation Army Still Wants Overton Transitional Housing
The Salvation Army still wants to establish transitional housing in Livingston after initial plans were temporarily put on hold. The Salvation Army and Genesis House flirted with the idea of building transitional housing in Livingston back in 2023, but Salvation Army Outreach Coordinator Luke Eldridge said the process stopped when the Salvation Army had a […]
Sexual Assault More Prevalent Than Many Think
One American is sexually assaulted every 68 seconds and a local expert said that number is probably lower than reality. Genesis House Program Director Tracie Hillabrand said she believes sexual assault is often under reported. “A lot of times, victims, uh, will blame themselves for the assault or they’re in fear of going public because […]
Redbud Village Bid Comes In As Expected
Bids for Highland Residential Services’ latest development Redbud Village came in as expected at Tuesday’s bid opening. Executive Director Dow Harris said the project is budgeted to come in at or below $4 million for all twenty housing units. Harris said there will be ten units with one bedroom and ten units with two bedrooms. […]
Abusers To Wear GPS Monitor After New Law
A new law going into effect Monday will require convicted domestic violence abusers in Tennessee to wear GPS monitors. Offenders are required wear it until a court deems they are no longer a threat to the victim or public safety. Genesis House Data Collections Specialist Linsey Anderson said will give victims more peace of mind. […]
Putnam County Library Provides Hygiene Kits To Low Income Community
Putnam County Library hygiene kits provide items that low income individuals can’t afford. Marketing and Outreach Librarian Lexxi Romero said she had set a goal for this year to provide assistance to the low income and un-housed communities. Romero did her research and consulted with community nonprofits. “And it took me a few months to […]
Genesis House Uses Safe At Home Program To Keep Victims Confidential
A state program called Safe at Home has helped the Genesis House keep domestic violent victims confidential. Tennessee Secretary of State Tre Hargett highlighted the program as a part of Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Executive Director Melissa Garrett said the program provides victims a substitute address so they cannot be tracked after relocating from a […]
