RUTHERFORD COUNTY, Tenn. Domestic Violence & Sexual Assault Center receives a $5,500 grant from The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee, a charitable organization dedicated to enriching the quality of life in the 40 middle Tennessee counties it serves.
This grant was selected from among hundreds of applications. The awarded funding for DV&SA Center will allow the center to provide access to forensic exam services 24/7 through trained SANE Nurses (sexual assault nurse examiner) and ensure trained staff and volunteer advocates are available 24/7 to provide crisis response and free supportive care for sexual assault victims.
RAINN (rainn.org) reports every 92 seconds an American is sexually assaulted and that every 1 in 6 American women has been the victim of attempted or completed rape in her lifetime. We also know that 70% of sexual assault victims will experience moderate to severe distress, which is a larger percent than any other violent crime. The SAFE Room (sexual assault forensic exam room), in conjunction with counseling services, safe shelter, court advocacy and crisis hotlines allow the Domestic Violence & Sexual Assault Center to provide needed trauma informed services which increases positive health outcomes towards a client’s sense of safety, reduction of stress and anxiety, coping skills and emotional well-being.
“As our community grows, so does the need for our services,” said Shelly Wright, LCSW, Sexual Assault Therapist and Clinical Supervisor at the center. “Through this grant we are being given the opportunity to provide additional training to nurses, staff and volunteers to ensure our clients have access to quality and compassionate care. The health and healing of those we serve is enhanced through this process.”
The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee announces more than $2.3 million in grants to 365 nonprofit organizations as part of the 2019 annual discretionary grant making process. “The work of our nonprofit partners has never been more important as we watch needs emerge and evolve in this community,” said Ellen Lehman, president of The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee.
CONTACT:
Kara Mischke, Community Relations Manager
kara@dvsacenter.org | (615) 896-7377
About Domestic Violence & Sexual Assault Center Our mission is simple: To protect victims, prevent violence, and empower survivors. We accomplish this by providing citizens of Rutherford County with the resources and assistance necessary to effectively deal with the personal, social, and legal implications of victimization by domestic violence and sexual assault.
To learn more about the center, to get involved, or to give hope visit www.dvpshelter.org
