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Updated: 6:33 PM Nov 5, 2009
Order of Protection Day supports domestic violence awareness
If you or someone you know is a victim of domestic violence, there is an event being held on UT's campus today to raise awareness. Posted: 1:18 PM Nov 5, 2009Reporter: Rebecca Solomon Email Address: rebecca.solomon@wvlt-tv.com |
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KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WVLT) -- Domestic violence is an ongoing social issue that may affect you or a loved one. Advocates say it happens every day in East Tennessee.
Volunteer TV's Rebecca Solomon sat down with a victim who shares her story and says why she now feels protected thanks to a 4th Circuit Court order.
Sandra Etherington, a domestic violence victim, says, "It progressively got worse to where he would be punching, use a knife, hammers, hit me with those."
Etherington's talking about the man she married when she moved from Iowa to East Tennessee .
Etherington says, "Relationship progressed from being loud arguments to violence and abuse."
That's when she turned to the Family Justice Center.
"When you come here, you're already ashamed and nervous and you get lost and when you have an advocate," Etherington says, "they tell you where you're going, any support you ask for."
The man she says abused her is now in Knox County Jail and she says the 'Order of Protection' is saving her life.
She says, "That will allow him to not harass me, talk to me, freedom for work and friends, where I don't have to worry about him."
UT law students are learning how domestic violence victims like Etherington stay protected here at 'Order of Protection Day' at the law school.
Second year law student, Jonathan Thomaston says, "It's good to have a first hand knowledge between clients and attorneys, so when I get in the practice, I'll have knowledge and won't have to learn it then."
Etherington adds, "I think if our students can learn, I think there will be better laws and better protection for victims in the future."
A future many say is legally going to be safer for victims.
For information on how to order an 'Order of Protection' or ways to find domestic violence support, click on the link below.
