October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month and Marsy’s Law for Tennessee is urging Tennesseans to join in supporting crime victims, survivors, and victims’ families throughout the month.
According to the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation’s most recent data, 71,263 criminal offenses were flagged as domestic-related in Tennessee. Females were three times more likely to be victimized than males; accounting for 71.1% of all domestic violence victims.
Throughout October, Tennesseans are encouraged to participate in the #LightYourPorchPurple campaign by replacing their porch light with a purple bulb, the color of Marsy’s Law for Tennessee and Domestic Violence Awareness Month. All participating households are asked to snap a photo, share it on social media, and tag #LightYourPorchPurple and #MarsysLawforTN.
“One in three women have experienced some form of physical violence by a partner, we all know someone.” said Marsy’s Law for Tennessee Victim Outreach Director Marianne Dunavant. “We hope shining a purple light on porches and businesses across the state will be a conversation starter. Each light is a reminder to victims that they are not alone.”
Domestic violence can affect anyone regardless of their background, age, sexual orientation or race. According to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, more than 10 million adults experience domestic violence every year in the U.S.
Warning signs of domestic violence can include:
- A jealous, controlling, or possessive partner
- Unusual behaviors like no longer spending time with friends and family.
- Unexplained injuries or marks on their bodies
If you or someone in your life might be experiencing relationship abuse, local support can be found here.
For more information, visit marsyslawfortn.com.
Marsy’s Law for Tennessee would strengthen the rights of crime victims in Tennessee’s state constitution and would ensure that victims of crime have equal, constitutional rights on the same level as those accused and convicted of crimes.
Marsy’s Law is named after Marsalee “Marsy” Nicholas of California who was stalked and killed by her ex-boyfriend in 1983. Only one week after her death, Marsy’s mother and brother, Henry T. Nicholas, walked into a grocery store where they were confronted by the accused murderer. The family, who had just come from a visit to Marsy’s grave, was unaware that the accused had been released on bail.
In an effort to honor his sister, Dr. Nicholas has made it his mission to give victims and their families constitutional protections and equal rights. He formed Marsy’s Law for All in 2009, providing expertise and resources to victims’ rights organizations nationwide.
