Pilates Franklin held three free classes Sunday, Oct. 4, in memory of Allison "Che Che" Rawl, a studio regular who was killed in a domestic violence incident in July.
The small Franklin studio partnered with Shear Haven, a domestic violence awareness initiative of YWCA Nashville & Middle Tennessee, to encourage donations and connect attendees with a free 20-minute training on recognizing warning signs of abuse. The effort launched as Domestic Violence Awareness Month began Thursday, Oct. 1.
Che Che Rawl worked with instructor Brianna Razo twice a week for two years before her death. Razo told NewsChannel 5 that the classes were a way to honor her friend one more time.
"She always showed up for others," Razo said. "Knowing that something so dark was going on behind the scenes" made the loss harder to bear.
Co-owner Megan Pinson said the studio keeps expecting Che Che to walk back through the door. She urged neighbors to learn the signs of abuse, saying it can be hidden regardless of income level or apparent support.
Douglas Kirk Rawl, Che Che's husband, faces criminal homicide charges in her death. A Williamson County judge denied bond for the College Grove man on July 24 after the court found probable cause. A grand jury was set to take the case next. A friend of Che Che's testified at the bond hearing that he had helped her hide firearms from Rawl, indicating prior fear of his behavior.
Investigators allege Rawl believed Che Che was "the devil" and that he was "the son of God," according to NewsChannel 5.
Shear Haven co-founder Susanne Shepherd Post, a Nashville-based stylist and domestic violence survivor, said the free training helps people recognize abuse and respond with compassion. The program, launched in 2017, has certified more than 125,000 beauty professionals worldwide, according to a Shear Haven guidebook published in 2024. Post's advocacy helped pass 2021 Tennessee legislation requiring domestic violence awareness training for beauty industry professionals.
The training is available in English, Spanish and Vietnamese. The 20-minute course is free year-round at shearhaventraining.org. Residents who need help can call the YWCA domestic violence hotline at 800-334-4628.
