October 6, 2012

There was an emotional gathering on the Shelby Street Bridge Saturday.
   
Dozens of people came together to stand against domestic violence and to remember loved ones who've died.
  
It's clear this crime has a deep impact.

One by one families come to rail of the Shelby Street Bridge carrying flowers in honor of a loved one.

"We use this time to gain strength from each other and to renew our vision to keep fighting," says Susan Tucker with the Coalition Against Domestic Violence.

The flowers fall into the Cumberland River below.  They are a tribute to someone killed by a family member, a victim of domestic violence.

"To me it's like a family getting together to celebrate other family members lives that are no longer with us," says friend of victim Gary Basham.

Gary Basham lost his best friend Erman Thompson back in July.
   
The South Nashville man was allegedly decapitated by his adopted son Henry Baxter.

"I'll never tell him goodbye, I'll just tell him soon because one day I will see him again," says Basham.

There are many sad stories that could be told here.
   
October is domestic violence awareness month, and the annual "Meet Us at the Bridge" ceremony has become a tradition.

Advocates, police, and attorneys are honored for making a difference in the lives of victims.
   
The captain of Metro's domestic violence unit say it also raises awareness.

"It takes each and every one of us to come together to fight this issue of domestic violence," says Metro Police Capt. Kay Lokey.

Metro has stayed busy investigating these cases over the past year, which is evidenced by the numerous families carrying photos and flowers.

"For a lot of years I thought the city never cared about what happened to homeless people, or to people that got murdered or whatever, but this lets me know that they do care," says Basham.

Last year 96 people in Tennessee died as a result of domestic violence.
       
If you need help and would like to talk to someone, call the YWCA's 24 hour hotline at 1-800 334-4628.

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