U.S. Attorney's Office For The Eastern District Of Tennessee Observes Domestic Violence Awareness Month

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – On October 20, 2022, U.S. Attorney Francis M. Hamilton III joins the U.S. Department of Justice, the Office on Violence Against Women (OVW), advocates, survivors, victim service providers, justice professionals, police and first responders, and communities across the U.S. in observing October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM). 

Domestic violence is more prevalent than many realize.  The devastating consequences of domestic violence can cross generations and last a lifetime.  Approximately one in four women and one in seven men will experience severe domestic violence in their lifetimes: however, rates are disproportionately higher for American Indian and Alaska Native populations, women of Color, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, and two-spirit people, and people with disabilities.  DVAM provides an opportunity to spread awareness about domestic violence and encourage everyone to play a role in ending gender-based violence.

“We are honored to participate in Domestic Violence Awareness Month as an opportunity to increase awareness of the dangerous dynamics of domestic violence and its prevalence,” said U.S. Attorney Francis M. Hamilton III.

Additionally, the U.S. Department of Justice’s Office on Violence Against Women (OVW) announced the expansion of its Firearm Technical Assistance Project (FTAP) to help communities across the county reduce domestic violence homicides and injuries committed with firearms.  

The FTAP grant will allow a multidisciplinary team of community leaders, victim service providers, law enforcement agencies, and judicial staff to collaboratively troubleshoot the implementation and safety issues around firearm dispossession for domestic violence offenders in criminal sessions and civil court.  Our office is pleased to announce that the Young Woman’s Christian Association (YWCA) of Knoxville and the Tennessee Valley was selected to participate in this project expansion. 

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