Vice Mayor Angie Henderson and Metro Council Public Health and Safety Committee Chair Erin Evans have planned a series of special called meetings regarding the local criminal justice system's response to domestic violence cases, with a focus on victim safety and offender accountability, following recent state legislative changes and local cases igniting public concern.
The two special called committee meetings and an experiential learning opportunity for Metro Council Members will all take place on three consecutive Wednesdays during October in recognition of Domestic Violence Awareness Month.
"Nashville has long been recognized as a national leader in supporting victims of interpersonal violence," Chair Evans said. "A system-wide assessment ten years ago prompted the opening of two Family Justice Centers for the Nashville community and numerous improvements for victim safety. However, recent high-profile domestic violence cases reveal systemic gaps in how offenders are held accountable and the community is kept safe. Connecting victims to services is essential, but true safety can only be achieved when offenders are kept away from their chosen victim(s) and made to face the consequences of their actions. This series of meetings will seek to identify potential changes at the local level that can ensure a safer future for victims and our city."
Vice Mayor Henderson added, "In Nashville, domestic violence accounts for nearly half of all violent crimes and 1 in 7 homicides. Domestic violence has long-lasting and far-reaching consequences not just for the primary victim but also for the children in those homes, surrounding neighborhoods, and workplaces. Domestic violence is a crime that spans generations with research showing that people who grow up with domestic violence are 74% more likely to commit a violent crime against someone else and three times more likely to repeat the cycle in adulthood. The Metro Council is responsible for passing ordinances necessary for the health, general welfare, and safety of all Nashvillians, and it is my hope that these Public Health and Safety Committee special meetings will provide vital insights to help the Council strengthen local criminal justice response and ensure Metro's budget aligns with this critical need."
Schedule
Public Health and Safety Committee Special Meeting regarding Domestic Violence in Nashville
Who: Metro Office of Family Safety (OFS)
When: Wednesday, October 16, 2024, 4:00 p.m.
Where: Historic Courthouse and City Hall, Metro Council Chamber
Details: OFS is the operator of both Family Justice Centers where service providers are co-located and the convenor of multiple cross-departmental response teams for high-risk domestic violence cases.
"In Her Shoes" Simulation for Council Members
When: Wednesday, October 23, 2024, 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Where: Justice A. A. Birch Building, 408 Second Avenue North
Details: This immersive experience is designed to demonstrate the challenges many victims experience as they try to navigate the criminal justice system. RSVP and additional details to follow.
Public Health and Safety Committee Special Meeting regarding Domestic Violence and the Criminal Justice System
Who: Representatives from the Courts, District Attorney's Office, Metro Police, and Sheriff's Office
When: Wednesday, October 30, 2024, 4:00 p.m.
Where: Historic Courthouse, Council Chamber
Details: Laws and processes that impact victim safety and offender accountability in domestic violence cases.