Domestic Violence

Safety Alert
Computer use can be monitored and is impossible to completely clear. If you are afraid your internet and/or computer usage might be monitored, please use a safer computer or call our 24-hour hotline, (615) 242-1199 or 1 (800) 334-4628.

Rihanna Breaks Her Silence - watch this clip from Diane Sawyer's interview with Rihanna

Rihanna: Back on Top! - read this Glamour article in which Rihanna speaks out about Domestic Violence and her personal experience

You Have Options

One in three women will experience domestic violence at some time during her life. During October (Domestic Violence Awareness Month) 2009 our small domestic violence outreach team has worked very hard to help people in Middle Tennessee know that they have options, prior to encountering domestic violence. The team educated 2,112 total individuals through 13 events and 23 trainings in workplaces, churches, civic groups and area non-profits. We have radio public service announcements running on many Tennessee stations, over 300 Grafitti placements (provided free through United Way) and 30-second television spots running on News Channel 5 and multiple cable stations (thanks to a grant from the Office of Criminal Justice Programs.) To schedule domestic violence awareness training, email information@ywcanashville.com or call the 24-hour crisis and information line, 615-242-1199 if you need immediate support.

The Warning Signs of Domestic Violence

A Mother Speaks About the Warning Signs

Relationships have ups and downs, but there are certain types of behavior in any relationship that are unacceptable and abusive. If you think that your partner is abusive or you suspect that someone you know is in an abusive relationship, call the YWCA Crisis & Information Line, it is free and confidential, 24 hours a day. (615) 242-1199 or (800) 334-4628.

**Domestic Violence and Children: A radio interview with YWCA staff member Lauren Brown

NEWSFlash

Partner Violence, Teen Pregnancy Linked

A recent study finds a significant connection between abusive relationships and teen pregnancy. http://endabuse.org/content/features/detail/926/

Services at YWCA of Nashville & Middle Tennessee

Crisis & Information Line
The YWCA maintains a 24-hour crisis and information line answered by staff and volunteers who are trained in crisis intervention. Each caller gets help developing a safety plan for themselves and their children.

Confidential Shelter for Victims of Domestic Violence
The YWCA Weaver Domestic Violence Center is the largest domestic violence shelter in the state of Tennessee and is housed at a confidential location. Shelter services include: therapeutic counseling and case management for all residents, therapeutic programming for children and teens, addictions treatment, legal advocacy and limited on-site medical care. “After care” is available for many women and children when they leave the shelter. In July of 2008, we began offering affordable transitional housing for women and families who need it when they leave the shelter.

Community Outreach
The YWCA seeks to promote awareness about domestic violence and works in cooperation with other organizations that serve victims of domestic violence. Outreach staff are available for domestic violence presentations in schools, businesses and civic organizations.

Need a speaker for your office, church or civic group?
The YWCA domestic violence outreach staff educates thousands of Nashville area residents every year.
Length of presentations varies, but the focus of all is:
    1. learning to recognize domestic violence
    2. learning what to do when you encounter
        domestic violence - including overview of
        services and resources
For more information email Elizabeth Slagle Todaro.

Support Groups
Support groups meet weekly in convenient neighborhood locations. Some groups have free child care available. Topics include self esteem, safety planning, assertiveness, characteristics of domestic violence and healthy/unhealthy relationships. If you are interested in learning more about support groups, call (615) 242-1199.

Click here for Additional Domestic Violence Links and Resource