Nashville pilot program works to connect domestic violence victims with resources instead of jail time

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WSMV) – Daffany Baker of the Young Women’s Christian Association says she knew things had to change while working as an assistant warden at a women’s prison in Nashville. He says he sees how domestic violence plays a big role in their entry into the prison system.

“They’re being forced to do things they wouldn’t normally do if they had the resources, the support, or anyone to help them,” Baker said.

That’s why the YWCA and the Davidson County Prosecutor’s Office applied to be part of the pilot program called ‘Survivors FIRST.’ It focuses on victim-defendants who are accused of misdemeanor domestic violence, who they describe as victims of abuse.

Police are often called to a home for a disturbance and have a feeling that harassment is going on, but there is no evidence. A week later they are called and see that the man has a scratch and they have to arrest him.

“A lot of times you see it’s history, and a lot of times they’re not the defendants, they’re actually the victims. “And this time maybe they even chose to fight back, so they had to be arrested and they had to plead guilty.” Baker said.

The prosecutor’s office is responsible for deciding which cases to refer to the YWCA. Once they complete programming there, they can return to the DA’s office and have their case reviewed and possibly expunged.

Baker says programs like this impact the entire community.

“It’s a trickle-down effect because when the family is affected and the mother is removed from the home, where do the children go? “Kids are often taken out as well, and that continues to decrease,” Baker said.

With one in four women experiencing domestic violence, there’s a good chance you know someone who has.

“If the person affected isn’t you personally, it’s your best friend, your mother, people you go to church with. The people you’re close to are the people you work with because that’s statistics, that’s reality,” Baker said.

Since June, the prosecutor has sent 40 cases to the YWCA.

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