Knoxville TN, October 13, 2025
News Summary
In recognition of Domestic Violence Awareness Month, the Knoxville Family Justice Center is hosting several events, including a mini-conference and community gatherings to support survivors and raise awareness. Various local organizations are also involved in providing resources and promoting advocacy. Activities throughout October, featuring notable speakers and memorial events, aim to shine a light on the serious issue of domestic violence within the community.
Knoxville, TN – October is recognized as Domestic Violence Awareness Month 2025, with the Knoxville Family Justice Center (KFJC) spearheading various events and outreach initiatives to raise awareness and foster survivor-centered care.
Among the highlighted events, the Domestic Violence Awareness Mini-Conference is scheduled for October 17, 2025. This conference results from a multi-year collaboration between KFJC, the University of Tennessee, Knoxville (UTK), and other community partners. The content of the conference has been carefully structured based on a needs assessment that identified both training and service gaps from the perspectives of survivors and service providers.
Community involvement is pivotal in supporting survivors. Michelle Clayton, KFJC Executive Director, has pointed out that collective efforts play a significant role in creating a supportive environment. On October 5, 2025, Joyce Vance, a TV legal analyst, participated in an event where she signed 2,300 copies of her upcoming book, Giving Up Is Unforgivable, underscoring the importance of sharing survivor stories and advocating for change.
Tragically, the Knoxville community recently experienced the loss of notable figures including Roy Aaron, a well-known attorney who passed away on October 6, 2025, and Gene McNalley, former captain of the Knoxville Division of the Tennessee Highway Patrol, who died on September 29, 2025.
A concerning incident on October 5, 2025, led to the discovery of two lunchboxes containing check-related mail, identifying multiple victims with a total financial loss of $972,051.63, highlighting ongoing concerns regarding safety and security in the community.
Legal Aid of East Tennessee (LAET) is set to conduct special programs throughout October 2025 as part of Pro Bono Month, emphasizing the need for legal assistance for vulnerable populations. Additionally, the YWCA Knoxville & the Tennessee Valley will host a community event on October 14, featuring author and advocate Lizbeth Meredith. This event will include a candle lighting ceremony for domestic violence survivors alongside a preview of Meredith’s anthology, Unmapped.
In recognition of Domestic Violence Awareness Month, the Knoxville Convention Center pedestrian bridge will be illuminated with purple lighting starting on October 10, 2025, a symbol of solidarity and awareness. Additionally, ‘Wear Purple for Domestic Violence Awareness Day’ will be observed on October 20, encouraging community members to show their support for victims.
On October 21, the McNabb Center and the Junior League of Knoxville will coordinate an event titled Flowers on the Water to honor individuals affected by domestic violence. Domestic violence remains a serious issue nationwide, with one in every four women and one in every seven men experiencing it in Tennessee.
The Family Justice Center serves as a crucial hub for domestic violence services in Knoxville, with an emergency call made every 30 minutes. The YWCA’s Victim Advocacy Program provides critical support, including assistance in issuing orders of protection and accompanying victims in court proceedings. In Knox County, an average of 164 orders of protection are filed each month, and reports indicate that domestic disputes represent 28% of all warrants filed in the area.
Further raising awareness, the Clothesline Project, an art therapy initiative aimed at demonstrating the impact of domestic violence, is currently on display at the Knoxville Museum of Art until April 14, 2026. This project features colored shirts that carry messages from survivors, representing various forms of violence.
Local organizations, including the McNabb Center and the YWCA, continue to provide essential resources for victims, offering crisis hotlines and counseling services to assist those in need. Community-wide support remains vital in addressing and alleviating the ongoing issue of domestic violence.
FAQ
What events are being held for Domestic Violence Awareness Month in Knoxville?
The Knoxville Family Justice Center will host a series of events, including the Domestic Violence Awareness Mini-Conference on October 17, 2025, and a community event featuring Lizbeth Meredith on October 14, 2025.
How serious is domestic violence in Tennessee?
Domestic violence is a significant issue in Tennessee, with one in every four women and one in every seven men experiencing it.
What can individuals do to support Domestic Violence Awareness?
Community members can wear purple on October 20, 2025, to show solidarity with victims, and participate in local events aimed at raising awareness and supporting survivors.
Key Features of Domestic Violence Awareness Month Events in Knoxville
| Date | Event | Description |
|---|---|---|
| October 14, 2025 | Community Event | Featuring author Lizbeth Meredith, including a candle lighting ceremony for survivors. |
| October 17, 2025 | Mini-Conference | Focus on addressing service gaps for survivors through collaboration. |
| October 20, 2025 | Wear Purple Day | Encouraging community members to wear purple in support of domestic violence awareness. |
| October 21, 2025 | Flowers on the Water | A memorial event honoring individuals affected by domestic violence. |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Tennessee Launches Initiative to Combat Food Insecurity and Health Disparities
Knoxville Man Charged with Attempted Murder and Kidnapping
Arrest Made in Meridian Attempted Murder Case
Thanksgiving Day Tragedy: A Tale of Love, Betrayal and Murder in Farmersville, Illinois
Gunfire Erupts Outside Knoxville McDonald’s, Suspect Arrested
Knoxville Man Indicted for First-Degree Murder Following Woman’s Death in Apartment
Additional Resources
- Knox TN Today: Domestic Violence Awareness
- WBIR: Domestic Violence Awareness Month in Tennessee
- Oak Ridger: Event Focus on Domestic Violence
- UT Daily Beacon: Clothesline Project for Awareness
- Wikipedia: Domestic Violence
Author: STAFF HERE KNOXVILLE WRITER
The KNOXVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREKnoxville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Knoxville, Knox County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Dogwood Arts Festival, Big Ears Festival, and Knoxville Asian Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Knoxville Area Chamber Partnership and United Way of Greater Knoxville, plus leading businesses in healthcare, education, and energy that power the local economy such as Covenant Health, University of Tennessee, and Tennessee Valley Authority. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBristol.com, HEREChattanooga.com, HEREMemphis.com, and HERENashville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Tennessee's dynamic landscape.
