CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – With school now back in full swing and families settling into new routines, the Family Justice Center in Chattanooga is reminding the community that abuse comes in many forms and is not always visible.
News 12 spoke with the executive director about the help and resources available for anyone in an abusive situation.
Regina McDevitt, M.Ed., Executive Director, explained, “The Family Justice Center is a national model of service that brings together public, private, and nonprofit organizations into one location that provides services to victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, human trafficking, elder abuse, and child abuse.”
She says the mission at the Family Justice Center is simple.
It is to help victims find safety and hope.
McDevitt added, “It is important to have partners coming together to create services and space for victims to be safe. They can come in here and we are not going to tell them what to do. We are going to find out what their needs are, then connect them with the agencies in the community that will support those needs, and we are going to make sure those needs are met.”
The executive director reminded the community that abuse can look different for everyone.
She explained that it is not always physical.
“It is not just about someone hitting someone else. It is about gaslighting. It is about psychological abuse. It is about tearing someone down and treating them like they are worthless. There are so many aspects of a relationship that can be abusive, and that leads into and escalates into physical violence.”
McDevitt emphasized that the Family Justice Center has room for all, whether someone is in immediate crisis or simply looking to take the next steps toward leaving an unhealthy relationship.
“It does not hurt to call and talk to someone,” she said. “They can call the Family Justice Center. They can call the domestic violence hotline that the Partnership has. But call and talk to someone because if it does not feel right, it probably is not right. We want it to stop, we want to hold people accountable, and we want to help change the system and the cycle of abuse. And that happens sometimes with one phone call.”
Click here to find out more about the Family Justice Center’s resources.
National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-SAFE(7233) or Text “START” to 88788
Family Crisis Center: Call 1 800 572 2278 for 24 hour support and resources.
Partnership for Families, Children and Adults Crisis Hotline: (423) 755-2700
