The Nashville Coalition Against Domestic Violence (NCADV) hosted the 18th annual ‘Meet Us at the Bridge’ ceremony on Oct. 1 at the John Seigenthaler Pedestrian Bridge. The event marked the beginning of Domestic Violence Awareness Month.
Advocates, survivors, and community members gather each year to remember individuals who were murdered in an act of domestic violence in Nashville. Fourteen people (including three children) were honored at the 2022 ceremony, and a single purple rose for each victim was dropped into the Cumberland River. Balloons were also released to recognize those lives lost. Metro Nashville Mayor John Cooper and Glenda Barnett-Streicher, survivor and author, shared remarks.
The NCADV also recognized area programs and leaders who are making a difference in the fight against domestic violence. Davidson County General Sessions Judge Gale Robinson was awarded the Jean Crowe Lifetime Achievement Award for his longtime work in this area. Other honorees included: Outstanding Service Provider – Ashley Cathey, Metro Office of Family Safety; Outstanding Law Enforcement Leadership – Captain Pete Dusché, MNPD; Outstanding Government Official – Cathy Harrison, Nashville Office of the District Attorney General; Innovative Domestic Violence Program – Abbie’s Home Pet Shelter, YWCA Nashville & Middle Tennessee; Outstanding Survivor – Susanne Shepherd Post, Shear Haven Education Program co-founder (with YWCA Nashville & Middle Tenn.).
Tennessee has one of the highest homicide rates in the nation for women killed by men. The most recent Violence Policy Center report found Tennessee ranks as the 7th most deadly state for women in the nation (tied with Georgia). One in four women will be a victim of domestic abuse in her lifetime. Metro Nashville Police receive more than 22,000 domestic violence reports each year.
The Nashville Coalition Against Domestic Violence is recognizing its 30th anniversary serving survivors and supporting the community through advocacy, education, and outreach activities. NCADV includes representatives from the Jean Crowe Advocacy Center and Metro Office of Family Safety; District Attorney General’s Office; Davidson County Sheriff’s Office; Metro Nashville Police Department; AGAPE Nashville; Mary Parish Center; Tennessee Coalition Against Domestic & Sexual Violence; and YWCA Nashville & Middle Tennessee.
