Mayors Sign Proclamation Deeming October 2022 as Domestic Violence Awareness Month
Domestic Violence Awareness Month kicked off in Hardeman County as Bolivar Mayor Julian McTizic and Hardeman County Mayor Todd Pulse came together, and were joined by representatives from the Wo/Men’s Resource and Rape Assistance Program (WRAP) to proclaim October 2022 as Domestic Violence Awareness Month. The public signing of the proclamation was to bring light to this “destructive force in our society and to become part of the efforts to build safe, stable, nurturing relationships, and families“.
Wrap was founded more than 40 years ago in 1975 to provide “trauma informed supportive services to survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault and their families“. Since its inception, it has grown to cover 19 counties in West Tennessee that includes Hardeman County.
“The services are free of charge, are kept confidential,” said Shayla Russell who has worked with WRAP for seven years and now manages the Domestic Violence Response Circles for Hardeman and McNairy Counties. “Some of the services are a 24 hour helpline, two safe homes, victim advocacy and outreach, support groups, housing support, and resource linkage within the community.”
Russell shared some of the local agencies WRAP has working relationships with that include the HOPE House, law enforcement, West Tennessee Legal Services, the First United Methodist Church, Southwest Human Resource Agency, Department of Human Services, and the Hardeman County Chamber Commerce. Those entities enable the non-profit to provide assistance to the Hardeman County community.
“The chamber allows me to provide these services to the survivors by letting me use a conference room,” said Russell.
A domestic violence survivor, who did not want to be identified, spoke eloquently at the signing about the domestic violence she experienced both professionally and personally and how WRAP helped in her life.
“It (domestic violence) is a very dark and dangerous place. Liaisons like WRAP and law enforcement shine a very bright light on that ugliness,” she said. “Domestic violence is irrespective of person, culture, or faith. WRAP lets victims know they are not alone. Family will forsake you, friends who don’t want to be associated with it, or people who don’t believe it is really that bad, because they know the abuser. WRAP focuses on you; your wellness, your health, your safety, and not anyone’s reputation or hiding secrets.”
According to WRAP, in 2021, there were 451 reports of crime against a person in Hardeman County. Of that number, 206 of those reports went to court for domestic violence.
“Hardeman County was eighth in 2021 and 2020 of the top 10 for domestic violence reports in the State of Tennessee, which is up from seventh in 2018,” said Penny Hensley, WRAP Domestic Violence Project Director.
Russell shared she has seen the number of people assisted by WRAP grow from 5 percent to 20 percent over the past three years she has been working in Hardman County.
“It is because of the community referring people and getting the word out that WRAP is here to serve the survivors of domestic and sexual assault,” said Russell who would like to see more support from Mayor Pulse and Mayor McTizic. “With us covering 19 counties that includes Hardeman County, the biggest downfall is not having the financial support. Over the years, I have gotten support from other counties and that is how I am able to come and provide services in Hardeman County. I believe Hardeman County and the City of Bolivar are well able to take care of their citizens and community, and I would love any kind of support that I can get from you all.”
On Friday, October 14, 2022, WRAP wants to partner with everyone across West Tennessee to Go Purple in support of domestic violence survivors. You may share your pictures of you wearing purple in support on WRAP’s Facebook page using the hashtag #WRAPGOESPURPLE.
“The ultimate goal of WRAP is for us to provide support to survivors, so they are able to live more stable, healthier, and safe lives,” said Russell.
Need help due to domestic violence or know someone who does? Call the WRAP 24/7 statewide helpline (800) 273-8712 or visit www.wraptn.org. You may also connect directly with Shayla Russell at WRAP Hardeman County. If you live in Fayette County, contact www.fayettecares.org for assistance.
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