News Talk 94.1/AM 1600 Where The Upper Cumberland Talks
Vol State students got the chance to address critical issues surrounding domestic violence during a Wednesday seminar on the Cookeville campus.
Attorney Dana Looper told students and staff that domestic violence can come in many different forms whether it is physical, mental, or financial. Looper said she wants to encourage those who are suffering to break their silence.
“To take that shame off and to actually come out and talk about it and realize hey you are not unique as a victim of domestic violence,” Looper said. “Everyone that I talk to has some sort of either childhood that they witnessed it or it happened to them or it’s going on right now, so talk about it.”
Looper said that one in three women and 15 million children are victims of domestic violence every year. Looper said she wanted to speak to college students as some students may not realize they are experiencing domestic violence.
“I think it is very important because here in a college we’ve got you know, boyfriend, girlfriend, sexual assault, and stalking,” Looper said. “You know, someone in a relationship just making a comment like hey your skirt is too short, your makeup is too thick, you shouldn’t hang out with your friends. You can talk to someone to say hey those are red flags and those are early warning signs to maybe get out of that relationship before you are further victimized.”
Looper said statistics show that children who witness domestic violence have a strong likelihood of being drug addicts, alcoholics, ADHD, and becoming perpetrators themselves. Looper said reducing domestic violence will have a lateral move in reducing other issues we see in the Upper Cumberland.
“The quicker that we get in there and address that the more change we can have for our society,” Looper said. “Because if you are reducing domestic violence you are reducing alcoholism, drug use, you are helping victims stay safe, and you are lessening the load on our criminal justice system.”
Attorney Amber Vargas said some cases victims have spoken out but people don’t believe them. Vargas said she and Looper take domestic violence very seriously and will fight for victims to get the help they need.
“I highly recommend looking into the Genesis House it is the closest local shelter and safehouse but there is also the Avalon Center in the Crossville area,” Vargas said. “It does not matter where you live and where you are in your relationship status, you can call in 24/7 to either of those and just get free advice from someone who can relate and help you.”
Looper said victims do not need all the tools in the tool kit to successfully escape domestic violence. Looper said the shelters will provide a safe space and the attorneys will take on the process of obtaining an order of protection.
Looper said she was a victim of domestic violence when she was a child. Looper said she hopes students who attended can understand if they are a victim they can get the help they need and still have a rewarding life.
