I’ve always been a fierce defender of women. That has been one of my greatest passions in life. I grew up surrounded by men—my dad had five brothers, and with my two older brothers and cousin, I was the only girl in the family for a long time. They protected me fiercely. I learned early on that men were not allowed to abuse women, and that truth became part of who I am. As I grew older, I knew I couldn’t allow anyone to control or harm me. If a woman finds herself in that kind of situation, the least I can do is lend my hand—big or small—to support her as she works her way out.
That’s why my connection with YWCA Nashville & Middle Tennessee runs so deep. I first encountered the YWCA as a girl through after-school programs in my native New Orleans—typing classes, summer camps, and especially Y-Teens. It wasn’t just about activities; it was about creating a safe, welcoming space where girls could grow, build confidence, and imagine a brighter future. Even then, I saw that the YWCA stood for women and their right to thrive.
Today, I am proud to serve on the YWCA Nashville Board of Directors and be part of an organization that meets survivors with dignity, advocacy, and hope. At the Weaver Domestic Violence Center—Tennessee’s largest provider of domestic violence services—more than 400 lives are saved each year, and nearly 5,000 crisis calls are answered. But Weaver is not just about survival—it’s about transformation. Victims receive counseling, healing for their children, and resources to begin again. Through programs like Re-New, families leaving Weaver don’t just find housing; they step into homes filled with care and dignity, ready for a new chapter.
YWCA also works to ensure survivors are not criminalized for actions connected to their abuse. The Survivors First Program diverts victim-defendants out of the criminal justice system and into safety at the Weaver Center and other life-changing services. Instead of punishment, these survivors are offered the chance to heal and rebuild—breaking cycles of trauma and giving women and families the tools to start again.
Prevention matters just as much as response, and YWCA is tackling the cycle of violence at its roots. Through AMEND Together, boys and young men learn to challenge a culture that excuses violence and embrace healthy masculinity. Meanwhile, Girls Inc. empowers girls to be strong, smart, and bold—building confidence, resilience, and leadership from an early age. Together, these programs teach the next generation that respect and equality must be the foundation of every relationship.
YWCA also advances prevention through the Shear Haven initiative, which equips beauty professionals to recognize the signs of abuse and respond appropriately. What began as local salon trainings has grown into a free online course, available in multiple languages, now taken by more than 150,000 professionals in over 100 countries. And each October, YWCA honors extraordinary women who lead change in Nashville through the Academy for Women of Achievement. This celebration not only applauds remarkable women and corporate honorees, it also raises awareness of YWCA’s vital programs and reminds us of our shared responsibility to end violence and inequality.
What inspires me most are the stories of survivors—like BriAnna, who shared her journey with us at our spring fundraiser, Wine Women & Shoes. She described the fear she, her mother, and her brother endured, and the healing they found through the YWCA. Her journey showed that survival is possible, but transformation is real.
This October, during Domestic Violence Awareness Month, I urge you to stand with us. Learn the signs of abuse. Support survivors. Celebrate women leading the way. Domestic violence is not a private matter—it’s a community issue. Together, we can break cycles of violence and build a future rooted in safety, dignity, and hope. No woman or child should ever have to walk through abuse alone.
Roxianne Bethune is a YWCA Nashville Middle Tennessee Board Member.
