Remember My Name, a ceremony to bring awareness to the victims of Domestic Violence, will be held on Monday at 12 p.m. at the Hamilton County/Chattanooga Courts Building.   

In the ceremony, that kicks off Partnership’s month long Domestic Violence Awareness campaign “Stop Violence Give Hope," Hamilton County Mayor Jim Coppinger will proclaim October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month and will read the names of victims that have lost their lives to domestic violence.  

Kathy C., a survivor of domestic violence, will tell her story of the horrors of living with an abuser, and the courage it took to leave. The ceremony will honor, and pay tribute to victims and survivors of domestic violence.

A total of 96 domestic violence homicides were reported in Tennessee in 2011, according to the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation. Additionally, Tennessee is third in the nation for having the highest domestic violence homicide rate. Partnership’s Family Violence Center wants the community to know that domestic violence is serious and can even be fatal if help is not sought. 

“It is an opportunity to remember those we love that lost their lives, to spread hope for those still experiencing domestic violence and celebrating those who survived,” says Regina McDevitt, director of Crisis Services at Partnership. “The ceremony not only brings attention to the severity of domestic violence but also calls for everyone in our communities to stop the violence.” 

The “Stop Violence Give Hope” campaign will be promoted throughout October in an effort to help people understand the consequences of domestic violence. The month-long awareness campaign will continue with the Clothesline Project, a moving display designed as a vehicle for women affected by violence to express their emotions by decorating a shirt with testimonies to the problem of domestic violence. The campaign asks the community to help stop violence and give hope to victims by sharing the 24-hour hotline through social media and traditional word of mouth, and by hosting domestic violence speakers at their church, civic, and business functions. Donations to support these greatly needed services are always appreciated. More information can be found at StopViolenceGiveHope.org.