CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. (CLARKSVILLENOW) – The Clarksville Area Urban Ministries and Legal Aid Society of Middle Tennessee will be honoring the victims who lost their lives as a result of domestic violence through a candlelight vigil.
The second annual Candlelight Vigil for Domestic Violence Awareness will be held at the Downtown Commons on Thursday, October 10, from 5:30 pm. to 6:30 p.m.
Flowers to symbolize victims who lost their lives in the community since October 2018 and a candlelit vigil to honor all who have died in our community from domestic-related murder, will be apart of the ceremony.
CC Carmack-Wheeler, executive director of Clarksville Urban Ministries will be one of the guest speakers and Elder Velma Jo Williams will be a vocalist. Carmack-Wheeler oversees the Safehouse, Safeplace and Grace Assistance, all places that provide resources and assistance to those in domestic violence situations and others in need.
“It’s important for families and friends who’ve lost a loved one to come together for a time to reflect,” said Tabitha Tackett, domestic violence and victim advocate at Legal Aid of Clarksville. “It’s also a time for people who are doing the work to gather together and bring awareness of domestic violence in our community as well as the support and resources that are available.”
Tackett, a victim advocate for domestic violence survivors, does safety planning with those leaving their abuser, assists with filing orders of protection and accompany victims to court proceedings providing support and education. She additionally refers victims to community resources to help them safely transition to their new living arrangements.
Domestic violence in Clarksville continues to be an issue the judicial system and law enforcement agencies give many provisions and resources to combat.
In the 2018-2019 fiscal year, the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office received 908 orders of protection and served 670. There were 1,484 attempts to serve orders of protection, according to MCSO statistics.
October being recognized as Domestic Abuse Awareness month began in 1981 by the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence as a Day of Unity to connect battered women’s advocates across the country.
Domestic violence affects millions of men and women and can be physical abuse or emotional abuse such as yelling, humiliation, stalking, manipulation, coercion, threats, and isolation.
If you or someone you know is living with domestic violence, help can be found by calling the Safehouse Crisis Line at 931-552-6900. The service is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. All calls are confidential.