Periodic Tables & Family Justice Center Kick-off New Year
Oak Ridge Periodic Tables began the New Year with a special night dedicated to survivors of domestic violence on Thursday, January 11. Candles, ambient lighting, and great food from Fire & Salt set the tone for an incredible conversation and welcoming experience for the women, and mothers got a night to themselves as Magician Danny Whitson entertained the children with a great magic show.
Karen George, owner of Walton George Realty Group in Oak Ridge, came and shared with the group of women. She first shared her comedic talents, spoke about her experience as a domestic violence survivor while inspiring the group that life gets better and then she lastly facilitated a group question and answer session that engaged the ladies with each other and shared all types of experiences. Mrs. George brought door prizes and encouraged the women to engage in self-care and therapy.
Too often invisible in society and far removed from the civic decisions that affect their everyday lives, survivors of domestic violence need opportunities like this one to exercise their voice and be seen. The common question that arises when domestic violence enters conversations is –
“I don’t understand…. Why don’t they just leave the abuse?”
Leaving is difficult, and not just from an emotional or relational standpoint. Women escaping domestic violence need a place to leave to, and for most, finding a place isn’t easy. Housing in Oak Ridge is not only limited due to West Coast and Northeast migration, but our housing market is also severely overpriced. Even rental units are full and carry as long as a six-month waiting list. Public housing has over a year waiting list. With demand so high, prices are also out of reach for most women looking to escape and make it on their own.
The answer to “why don’t they just leave” is that most of them can’t. If we’re going to build a community where all voices are heard and included in our decision making, we must include these women in the discussion. They bear the brunt of our inability to offer affordable housing or legitimate options for escaping their abusers.
This first Periodic Table of 2024 would not have been possible without the tireless efforts of the Anderson County Family Justice Center. Not only did they help populate the event with the women who needed it most, they put many hours in making sure the conversation, ambiance, and tone was just right. Our community owes a debt of gratitude to this group for the advocacy and support they provide for all those in our community suffering from domestic violence.
Of the night, Executive Director of the Family Justice Center Melissa Miller said, “The opportunity the Periodic Tables dinner provided our clients was so unique and greatly appreciated in that it simply allowed clients to take a moment and just be. They've been through so much and are continuing to navigate difficult and unchartered waters. This dinner allowed for a rare opportunity for camaraderie with fellow survivors and a chance to just breathe. It was also very uplifting for staff to be able to see clients supporting each other and building community simply through the act of sharing a meal.”
Next up for Oak Ridge Periodic Tables is our “Welcome and Introduction Suppers” on January 28 and 29. You can read more about them here: https://www.oakridgeperiodictables.com/2024-welcome-suppers
Until then, let’s keep working on a community willing to provide “liberty and justice for ALL.”