The Scales of Justice

We started our day bright and early at the Knoxville Family Justice Center, a comprehensive support center that serves victims of domestic violence and sexual assault. We began with an eye-opening activity in which we took on the role of eight victims and had to navigate through the decisions and life events they encountered. The activity helped us understand the lack of choices that victims have due to factors such as family, finances, culture, access, and love.

Next, we spoke with several leaders within the Family Justice Center about the power and control dynamic in relationships afflicted by domestic violence. Before physical and sexual violence usually take place, perpetrators utilize isolation, children, male privilege, victim-blaming, economic abuse, coercion and threats, intimidation, and emotional abuse to take power away from victims and control them. We also discussed the resources offered to victims, the prevention programs in place to educate potential perpetrators, the legal difficulties of implementing these programs in schools, and the demographics and trends of the clients they serve.

After a hearty lunch in the vans, we traveled to the Knoxville Museum of Art, where we saw many interesting exhibits including interactive digital art pieces, lifelike sculptures, and a variety of colorful paintings. After the museum, we visited the Old City Java coffee shop, where we channeled our inner hipster vibes as we drank lattes by graffiti art.

Upon returning to the church, we enjoyed a peaceful dinner of chocolate chip pancakes and scrambled eggs without the fear of being attacked by the bat that entered the church a few days ago. We were able to capture the bat and release it into the wild yesterday. Sometimes, you just have to let yourself be helped by others in order to be set free, just like the bat.

Love,
Ashley and Margo