Meet Ericka Downing

Today we’d like to introduce you to Ericka Downing.

Hi Ericka, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today.
I started my career after graduation from Middle Tennessee State University in adult misdemeanor probation where I served in that capacity for over 19 years. I supervised the offenders of domestic violence among other offenses, focusing on offender accountability. I did not feel like I was making a true impact on the lives of others or in the community where I live. As I began to work more with survivors of the violence, I began to realize my fulfillment came from helping others and supporting them during a time of crisis.

My passion quickly shifted from offender accountability to restoration of hope and healing and towards making a more positive and long-standing difference within my community. I began to wonder how I can empower others to use their voice and how to offer that vital support to others. I started volunteering with the Domestic Violence & Sexual Assault Center in October of 2019 as a Sexual Assault Volunteer, supporting survivors during a forensic exam at our local hospitals. Those interactions immediately sparked my interest to learn more about the agency. When I got the opportunity to lead a project for my church, People of Hope, my mind traveled to how I can support the Domestic Violence & Sexual Assault Center.

We created 50 care bags for survivors of domestic violence, and my heart tugged even more to be a part of this amazing organization. This one project ignited my interest and placed a fire in my soul to work for the Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Center. Unbeknownst to me, the agency was currently in search of an Executive Director in November of 2019. Due to my career in probation, I was good friends with their Assistant Director, Myra Beasley, who advised me of the opening. On paper, I had 50% of the job requirements, but I applied for the position. I could not shake the pull that I had that was leading me to this agency, and I was confident that God would open this door if this was my opportunity to seize it.

When I got the first interview, I was so incredibly nervous, and I prayed that my passion to serve would shine. When I got the second interview, I knew what my shortcomings were in the position, but I also knew that I had a relatable experience that could translate. I just knew if given the opportunity that I could help build a stronger support system within our community for survivors of violence with my prior ties to the justice system in Rutherford County. When I received the job offer for my dream job, I cried after the phone call, knowing that I had finally found my purpose and that God had blessed every part of this journey to open this door.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I prefer to say that it has been a challenging but rewarding road that I started in December of 2019 as the Executive Director of the Domestic Violence & Sexual Assault Center. Learning a new career 4 months before the global pandemic hit was an unexpected turn of events.

While it was true that I had asked God for a challenge, that was not exactly what I had envisioned. I was on the fast track to learning every facet of the organization from the ground up while securing the necessary funding to serve survivors of domestic and sexual violence. I came in with a fresh pair of eyes and soaked concepts up like a sponge. I have always had the mentality of “throw me to the wolves and I will be leading the pack”, so I would not change anything about the start of my journey as the Director.

I was and still am hungry to serve our survivors and to make an impact in our community. It takes our whole community to serve the needs of our survivors, and I am blessed to play a small role in their journey. Never underestimate the role that we can play in the life of a survivor and how important it is to offer true support. Every day I drive to work with a smile on my face knowing that I am fulfilling a greater mission and using my servant’s heart.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I am honored and extremely blessed to be the Executive Director of the Domestic Violence & Sexual Assault Center. Our agency was established as a 501c3 in 1986. Our mission is to protect victims, prevent violence and empower survivors. We accomplish our mission by providing supportive services, resources, and assistance necessary to effectively deal with domestic and sexual violence. This includes the physical, mental, emotional, social, and legal implications of personal violence. All services are provided at no cost to the survivor and we are operational 365 & 24/7. The Domestic Violence & Sexual Assault Center is the only organization in our Rutherford County community that provides comprehensive & supportive services to survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking.

We have 4 core services at the Domestic Violence & Sexual Assault Center: 1) Court Advocacy – Our advocates assist survivors in preparing a petition (application) and in requesting an Order of Protection be filed with the appropriate court. Emergency orders of protection can be obtained 24/7. Unique to our program is our contracted staff attorney that represents all of our survivors in Orders of Protection during all the court proceedings. 2) Emergency Safe Shelter – Our temporary haven from violence named the Bernard House is a confidential & secure safe shelter for families and individuals. We serve all genders of violence.

We have a 31-bed capacity with a 3-dog kennel on-site. With the recently received Nashville Predators Helpers Grant, we will be expanding our pet shelter capacity. We ensure that survivors and pets seeking emergency safe shelter receive compassionate care in a trauma-informed manner that provides tranquility and opportunity for healing. 3) Counseling – We provide counseling for current and past survivors of domestic and sexual violence.

We create safe places for our survivors to disclose their trauma and to help them regain a sense of empowerment in their lives. We use a variety of evidence-based treatments to provide for healing and growth like Trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy and eye movement desensitization and reprocessing therapy (EMDR). 4) Full Sexual Assault Services which includes an on-site Sexual Assault Forensic Exam Room. We offer 24/7 crisis support for survivors of sexual violence. Advocates provide accompaniment to survivors of sexual assault who seek forensic examinations and provide accompaniment to law enforcement interviews or criminal court proceedings.

We want all survivors to know that they have options, that they are supported, that their voice is heard, and that their choices are respected. We operate 24/7 crisis lines: Domestic Violence – 615-896-2012 and Sexual Violence – 615-494-9262. Our public office is located at 1423 Kensington Square Court in Murfreesboro and our direct line is 615-896-7377.

What do you like and dislike about the city?
I am a native of Murfreesboro, and I have zero plans of living anywhere else. I love that Murfreesboro has retained that small-town feel in a rapidly growing city.

I love the way that our community bands together to serve others and to provide necessary connections to those in need. I am proud to work and serve in the community where I live and where I can make an impact.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.dvsacenter.org
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dvsacenter/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DVSAcenter
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ericka-downing/ 

Image Credits
DNJ