Tennessee United for Human Rights Holds Panel Discussion on Domestic Violence for Peace Day

The Tennessee chapter of United for Human Rights (TNUHR) held a dynamic panel discussion on International Peace Day this year.

How is domestic violence a violation of basic human rights? And what do people need to know to protect their rights and the rights of those they love? These topics were covered during the Tennessee United for Human Rights (TNUHR) Peace Day celebration for 2016.

TNUHR is a non-profit organization dedicated to bringing education and awareness about human rights to everyone. In 2009, United for Human Rights released a video history of human rights which begins with a series of diverse people on the street being asked a simple question—What are human rights? The answers were astonishing. Most people couldn’t name more than one or two of their human rights, and many people didn’t even know how to define human rights.

According to the University of Minnesota Human Rights Library, “People who do not know their rights are more vulnerable to having them abused and often lack the language and conceptual framework to effectively advocate for them.”

For this reason, TNUHR brought together experts and community leaders to discuss an issue that is hidden from view all too often: domestic violence. Under the theme: “Know Your Rights and Survive—Overcoming Domestic Violence,” five panelists came together representing the various stages a victim will go through as they seek help from their batterer. Panel members represented the YWCA’s Weaver Shelter, Metro Nashville Police Department’s Domestic Violence Division, Legal Aid Society, General Sessions Court, and the Tennessee Coalition to End Domestic and Sexual Violence.

The event was held in the community hall of the Nashville Church of Scientology and had a diverse crowd present to hear what they might do to help victims of domestic violence. One attendee noted, “The energy in the room was incredible—all of these people together talking about how we can help. This is needed to get people together to bring an end to the problem.”

For more information about Tennessee United for Human Rights, visit tnuhr.org.