A Sister’s Love Leads to Creation of New Law Protecting Vulnerable Adults Experiencing Abuse
Carrie Dyer-Taylor never expected to be an advocate for a cause such as abuse but did not hesitate to take the lead after learning her sister, Amy, was a victim – while in care in June 2017 at a group home facility – a place where she was supposed to be safe. Despite Amy being an adult at the time, she was not able to defend herself, and Ms. Dyer-Taylor was not going to allow her sister’s experience to go without the facility and responsible person being held accountable now and in the future for other victims.
“The state investigated and deemed the facility guilty, but the individual got off due to ’lack of training’,” said Ms. Dyer-Taylor who was not satisfied with the discovery by the state.
Ms. Dyer-Taylor, who has worked in the healthcare industry for 24 years, understands the importance of proper training for people who work in her field. She also understands lack of ‘proper training’ was not the cause of the abuse her older sister endured. Feeling responsible for ensuring her sister’s future safety as well as for other patients who need a voice, Ms. Dyer-Taylor realized this was a cause she could not ignore.
“Who wouldn’t feel compelled to help or find justice in some way. No human, especially one that cannot properly defend themselves, has the right to endure abuse of any kind,” said Ms. Dyer-Taylor. “I started speaking with Assistant District Attorney Al Earls in Jackson, Tennessee along with Amy’s civil attorney Spencer R. Barnes in Jackson, Tennessee. I asked a multitude of questions about the loopholes in the verbiage and why this particular individual could not be prosecuted.”
After a lot of research and findings on her own, Ms. Dyer-Taylor began working on a bill in 2021 that would amend the Tennessee Adult Protection Act to include more protection for adults experiencing abuse:
“As introduced, authorizes a district attorney general investigating a report of abuse, neglect, or exploitation made pursuant to the Tennessee Adult Protection Act to seek all remedies made available under the Act or another criminal provision; authorizes a district attorney general to convene a special grand jury to review a death or allegation of sexual abuse of, or felony theft from, an adult who is protected under the Act. – Amends TCA Title 71, Chapter 6”
“For several years now, Carrie has been relentless in trying to get this bill passed. She didn’t say somebody needs to do something, she did everything she could to let our elected officials and lawmakers be aware of how little protection her sister and others in the same circumstance had,” said Charlotte Dyer, Carrie’s and Amy’s mother.
Although Ms. Dyer-Taylor experienced many obstacles, her patience grew stronger, and her persistence became more determined. She also gained her own personal advocates in the form of Senator Page Walley and State Representative Johnny Shaw who guided Ms. Dyer-Taylor through the process of getting the bill passed after she shared Amy’s story with them.
“They explained the why and the importance of the passing of this bill, and that as constituents of the county in which they serve, the State of Tennessee should protect those who can’t defend themselves,” said Ms. Dyer-Taylor, who also noted how helpful Jerri Isom, Senator Walley’s legal assistant, has been.
On Tuesday, April 9, 2024, Governor Bill Lee signed SB0163/HB0441.
“Now, people can realize that they cannot abuse or steal from someone, because they can go to jail,” said Ms. Dyer-Taylor who encourages others to be the voice for people who need their help. “All you have to do is believe. Don’t take ‘no’ as the ultimate answer. Question people. It only takes one person to make a difference. One should ask why not them? One person is just as valuable as the next. Your voice matters!”
“Now, their hands are untied and each county’s district attorney can make sure that people that cause harm to people in their care are held accountable,” said Charlotte Dyer. “My thanks to all that listened to Carrie and helped her on this journey to get this law passed, I am truly grateful. To say I am proud of her and her commitment to get this bill into law is an understatement. She is her sister’s keeper, and to thousands of other brothers and sisters she will never know.”
Carrie continues to be encouraged by her big sister Amy and hopes she has made her proud.
“Every day I get to speak with her is my encouragement. I will continue to fight for those who cannot defend themselves or who experience social injustices,” said Ms. Dyer-Taylor. “We should all strive to help each other and do right by our fellow man.”
SB 0163/HB 0441 goes into effect on Monday, July 1,2024.
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