Domestic Violence & Sexual Assault Center

10/23/2026

🎭✨ The costumes were creative, the community was amazing, and the impact was real! ✨🎭

Thanks to our incredible sponsors and everyone who joined us for Costumes for a Cause: Dressing Survivors in Strength, we raised an outstanding $9,005.88!

A special shoutout to our generous sponsors who helped make this event possible:
💜 HCA Healthcare/TriStar Health
💜 FASTSIGNS Murfreesboro
💜 MYP
💜 MMC
💜 Ascension Saint Thomas
💜 Miller Loughry Beach Insurance Services
💜 Modern Woodmen
💜 Provident Financial Planning
💜 State Farm - Dana R. Womack
💜 The Warehouse
💜 Sherry Galloway
💜 Two Sisters Maid to Clean
💜 Redstone Federal Credit Union
💜 Republic Bank
💜 FirstBank

While we had fun celebrating in costume, the mission behind the evening is one that matters every day. Your support helps survivors of domestic violence access critical services, regain independence, and move forward with confidence and strength.

Thank you for proving once again that when a community comes together, we can create meaningful change. We are grateful for every person who helped turn compassion into action.

💜 Together, we're dressing survivors in strength and empowering futures. 💜

10/22/2026

We extend our sincere gratitude to Teresa Kant and Captain William Lytle with DAR for their generous donations in support of our Emergency Safe Shelter.

Your kindness and commitment to helping survivors in need make a meaningful difference in the lives of the individuals and families we serve. Because of supporters like you, we can continue providing safety, hope, and resources to those seeking refuge from domestic violence.

Thank you for standing with us and helping create a safer, stronger community. Your generosity is truly appreciated and will have a lasting impact on the lives of many.

💜

10/21/2026

👻🎭 Turn Your Halloween Spirit into Hope.

Every survivor deserves safety, support, and the opportunity to thrive. By attending Costumes for a Cause, you're helping provide resources and services that empower survivors of domestic violence on their journey toward healing and independence.

Gather your friends, put on your favorite costume, and join us for an evening dedicated to making a real difference.

💜 Because every ticket supports a stronger, safer community.

🎟️ Reserve your spot today: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/costume-for-a-cause-tickets-1997478888125?aff=ebdssbdestsearch

10/21/2026

When local businesses invest in local lives, amazing things happen. 💜

We are deeply grateful to Country for raising $1,400 during their annual giving campaign in memory of Judi. Their generosity will directly support survivors of domestic violence in our community through critical services, advocacy, and support.

Thank you to Donut Country and every customer who purchased a donut and helped make this contribution possible. Your kindness reminds survivors that they are not alone.

Thank you for honoring Judi's legacy by helping others find safety, healing, and hope.

💜

10/20/2026

We are grateful to Scott Walker and WGNS Radio for creating space to have honest conversations about domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, and the journey of recovery. In our recent discussion, we highlighted the realities of coercive control, gaslighting, and the trauma bonds that can make leaving an abusive relationship incredibly difficult. Survivors deserve understanding, not judgment.

At the Domestic Violence & Sexual Assault Center, we remain committed to empowering survivors through advocacy, counseling, safe shelter, orders of protection, forensic services, and compassionate support when they are ready to take the next step.

Thank you, WGNS Radio, for helping amplify this important message: no one has to face abuse alone, and help is available. Together, we can break the cycle of violence and build a community where every survivor feels safe, supported, and empowered. 💜

In this episode of The Action Line podcast, host Scott Walker sits down with Ericka Downing, the Executive Director of the Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Center in Murfreesboro, to discuss the critical services provided to survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking. Downing s...

10/19/2026

Understanding Trauma Bonding in Domestic Violence

"Why doesn’t she just leave?"
It’s a question many people ask, but the answer is often more complex than they realize.

Trauma bonding is a strong emotional attachment that can develop between a victim and an abusive partner through a cycle of abuse, manipulation, fear, and intermittent kindness. After episodes of harm, the abuser may apologize, show affection, make promises, or create hope for change. These moments can strengthen the bond and make it incredibly difficult for a victim to leave.

Trauma bonding is not a sign of weakness. It is a psychological response to ongoing abuse and coercive control.

Signs of trauma bonding may include:
💜 Defending or minimizing abusive behavior
💜 Feeling responsible for the abuser’s actions
💜 Believing the abuse will stop if things improve
💜 Difficulty leaving despite recognizing the harm
💜 Feeling emotionally dependent on the relationship

Instead of asking, "Why didn't they leave?" ask, "What barriers were keeping them trapped?"

Survivors deserve compassion, support, and understanding, not judgment.

10/18/2026

🎉 Congratulations to Chin Up Girl on hosting your first Domestic Violence Walk! 💜

We were honored to be invited as a community partner and to stand alongside so many advocates, survivors, families, and supporters committed to ending domestic violence.

Events like these remind us that conversations about domestic violence matter. During Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM) and throughout the entire year, it is critical that our community continues to speak up, listen, learn, and support those impacted by abuse. Awareness leads to understanding, and understanding leads to action.

Thank you, Chin Up, Girl, for creating a space that brings people together, raises awareness, and strengthens our collective commitment to a safer community for all.

10/16/2026

💜 Be the Voice. Be the Support. Be the Difference.

Every survivor deserves someone in their corner. Our Volunteer Sexual Assault Advocacy Training equips compassionate community members with the skills and knowledge needed to support survivors through some of their most challenging moments.

Join us on November 6, 2026, from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM at our public office and learn how advocacy can help survivors find hope, healing, and empowerment.

📧 Reserve your spot today: [email protected]

Your time, compassion, and commitment can change lives.

10/16/2026

💜 Wear Purple Day | Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM) 💜

Today, we wear purple to raise awareness, honor survivors, and stand together in the movement to end domestic violence.

During Domestic Violence Awareness Month, we recognize the strength, courage, and resilience of survivors who continue to heal, grow, and thrive. We also acknowledge the importance of community support, advocacy, and education in creating safer futures for everyone.

A special thank you to our incredible staff, whose compassion, dedication, and unwavering commitment make a difference every day. Your work provides hope, support, and empowerment to survivors when they need it most. We are grateful for the care, expertise, and heart you bring to this mission.

Together, we raise awareness. Together, we support survivors. Together, we work toward a future free from violence.

💜

10/15/2026

💜 Wear Purple. Stand with Survivors. Save 15%. 💜

October 15th is Wear Purple Day, a day dedicated to raising awareness and showing support for survivors of domestic violence.

To honor this important day, we're offering 15% off tickets to our upcoming Costumes for a Cause fundraiser.

🎟️ Use promo code: WearPurple @ https://www.eventbrite.com/e/costume-for-a-cause-tickets-1997478888125?aff=ebdssbdestsearch

Your ticket helps fund life-changing services for survivors and their families while treating you to an evening of fun, connection, and community impact.

🎃 Costumes for a Cause
📅 October 22, 2026
📍 The Warehouse
⏰ 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM

Together, we can turn one night of fun into hope for those who need it most. 💜