1. Domestic Violence & Sexual Assault Center
Address: 1423 Kensington Square Court Murfreesboro, TN 37130
Contact: (615)-896-7377
Open: Weekdays 8:30 a.m. -4:30 p.m.
The Domestic Violence Program of Rutherford County specializes in a variety of protective services, offering 24/7 crisis support, emergency shelter, sexual assault advocacy including onsite medical exams, counseling, and legal/court advocacy to all current or past victims of domestic violence, sexual assault or stalking free of charge.
“When someone reaches out to a domestic violence and sexual assault center – whether by phone, email, or walking in – the process is designed to be calm, survivor-led and confidential,” Executive Director Ericka Downing said. “Our center follows a trauma-informed model, so nothing is rushed and nothing is forced.”
Confidentiality is ensured by state confidentiality laws, federal Violence Against Women Act confidentiality rules, HIPAA and internal agency policies. Advocates from the center do not share information or records without written consent. Staff are trained to avoid collecting unnecessary personal details, and callers can remain anonymous.
The center’s crisis line is answered 24/7 by a specialized advocate who can assist in immediate coping skills and crisis intervention, information on services like the onsite Sexual Assault Forensic Exam Room, victim’s right information or referrals to other agencies when necessary.
The on-site Sexual Assault Forensic Exam (SAFE) Room is an alternative to the Hospital Emergency Department assistance following a recent sexual assault. In the SAFE Room, medical forensic exams, also known as a Rape Kits, are done on-site by specially trained Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners. The exam is free of charge and includes testing for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and pregnancy.
Those seeking resources do not have to report to law enforcement beforehand. The decision is left up to the survivor unless there is a specific legal exception. Law enforcement becomes involved only when there is a mandatory reporting situation like child abuse, abuse of a vulnerable adult or an immediate threat of serious harm.
2. Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office Family Crimes Unit
Address: 940 New Salem Highway Murfreesboro, TN 37129
Contact: (615)-898-7777
Open: All hours, every day
The Sheriff’s Office of Rutherford County offers contact information, resources and safety planning options for victims of domestic violence.
To file a criminal complaint, contact the Family Crimes Unit (615) 904-3053 or the Domestic Violence Program (615) 896-7377 to obtain an Order of Protection. The FCU can assist with obtaining criminal warrants, obtaining orders of protection, offering information and retrieving property from the home. The FCU is also responsible for investigating domestic abuse cases and arresting offenders.
An Order of Protection is a legal document that makes it a crime for an abuser to contact or come around their victim for any reason. An OFP usually limits the abuser to staying 100 yards away from the victim’s person, home, school or workplace.
An OFP will not go on an abuser’s record as long as they abide by the order. Violating an OFP is a crime under federal law, and the person restrained from contact generally cannot possess a firearm while in effect. If a judge grants an OFP, the order will be in place for up to 1 year, but an extension can be requested.
3. Metro Office of Family Safety
Address: 610 Murfreesboro Pike, Nashville, TN 37210
Contact: (615)-880-1100 / [email protected]
Open: All hours, every day
The Family Safety Center in Nashville is of the largest Family Justice Centers in the country. The FSC has two separate centers: one focused on court-based care and the other on community-based care. The FSC assists with the safety of victims of domestic and sexual violence, abuse and human trafficking. Walk-ins are welcome.
The center provides free and confidential services such as safety planning, danger assessment, orders of protection, counseling, support groups, crisis intervention, shelter and housing assistance, emergency food assistance, children’s services, referrals and domestic violence education. You are not required to make a police report.
A safety plan is a personalized plan used to increase safety during a dangerous or scary time in one’s life, according to the center. The FSC has guides in English and Spanish on its YouTube channel for creating a safety plan.
4. YWCA Knoxville & Tennessee Valley Victim Services
Knoxville Address: 420 W Clinch Ave, 37902
Contact: (865) 523-6126 / [email protected]
Oak Ridge Address: 1660 Oak Ridge Tpke, 37830
Contact: (865) 523-6126 / [email protected]
Open: Weekdays 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
The YWCA’s mission is eliminating racism and empowering women, according to its website.
YWCA’s Victim Advocacy Program provides services for victims and survivors of domestic violence. VAP is a non-shelter program providing safety planning, danger assessments, court accompaniment, assistance with filing Orders of Protection, community education, support groups and community resources. Bilingual and culturally specific advocates are available.
Child Welfare Domestic Violence Liaisons work with the Department of Children Services and to enhance safety, stability and well-being for children and families seeking domestic violence and child welfare services. CWDVL services are offered in Anderson, Knox, Roane and Loudon counties. Liaisons provide preventative services. Referrals must come from DCS.
5. Home Safe Inc.
Address: 107 S. Greenwood St. Suite D Lebanon, TN
Contact: (615)-454-8149
Open: Weekdays 8:30 a.m. -4:30 p.m.
Home Safe’s mission is “to provide safety and support to people impacted by domestic and sexual abuse, to foster survivors healing and empowerment and to promote nonviolence and social justice in our community,” according to its website.
The organization offers free and confidential services for domestic violence. This includes crisis intervention through a 24-hour helpline, walk-in services, emergency shelter, and access to relevant resources to meet needs. Advocacy services offered include counseling, transportation and court accompaniment. The organization also provides assistance with food and household items.
For safety planning, advocates are available in person and over the phone to assist clients in identifying safety concerns and problem-solving to remove or reduce the risk of harm. Common components of a safety plan are hanging locks, obtaining mace or pepper spray, obtaining a restraining order, creating an overnight bag and creating plans to stay with friends or family in cases of emergency, according to the organization’s website.
While Home Safe’s legal advocates are unable to give legal advice, they can answer basic questions regarding the protective order process and assist in completing paperwork for the initial petition, modifications, renewals and dismissals. Legal advocates are also available to accompany clients to court appearances associated with a protective order, divorce, custody and criminal hearings.
The organization also offers groups and workshops on parenting when impacted by domestic violence. Home Safe’s support group meets every Wednesday at 5:30 pm. To register, call (615)-452-5439 to speak with an advocate and get necessary information.
For help, text “HOPE” to 64673 or call:
RAINN National Sexual Assault Hotline: 800-656-HOPE
National Domestic Violence Hotline: 800-799-SAFE
Local:
Domestic Violence Hotline: (615)-896-2012
Sexual Assault Hotline: (615)-494-9262
Contact 911 if you feel you are in immediate danger or a life-threatening situation.
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