On Friday afternoon (4/26/2013) a special tree planting ceremony honoring victims of crime took place at the Rutherford County Sheriffs Office.

Victim Shares Her Story

Lindsey Arp was the shared her story with those in attendance. In April, 2011, she awoke to excruciating pain as her, then boyfriend, and father of two of her three children, was pouring a pot of boiling cooking grease over her. After 126 days in the hospital and four week in rehab, she is on the road telling her story and giving encouragement to others (listen to recording of her story below).

Last year, her assailant was convicted of attempted first degree murder, and was sentenced to the maximum time allowable under state law: 40-years.

For more information on Lindsey's story and to learn of ways you can help her, go to the web site of the Tennessee Coalition To End Domestic and Sexual Violence CLICK HERE.

Voice of Victims Award

The Community Services Coordinator with the Smyna Police Department, Alesha Martin, received the 2013 Voice of Victims Award for this area. In her position, she works with victims and helps them to understand the legal process and provides support while going through trials, appeals, parole hearings and other legal proceedings.

She has a master's degree in Social Work, is a licensed Clinical Social Worker, and a certified trainer who has taught Rape Aggression Defense classes to area women for three-years. She serves on the board of directors of the Exchange Club Family Center, and also works with Project Assistance, Community Services, the Boys and Girls Club of Smyrna and the Mid Cumberland Council on Children and Youth.

Again, Alesha Martin is the recipient of the 2013 Voice for Victims Award for southern middle Tennessee (her statement is also on the sound track that is ABOVE with this news story).

Planting the Red Bud tree