Statements

Mission

The mission of the Tennessee Coalition to End Domestic and Sexual Violence is to end domestic and sexual violence in the lives of Tennesseans and to change societal attitudes and institutions that promote and condone violence through four primary work areas: public policy advocacy, education/training and technical assistance, public awareness and direct services for victims.

Background

The Tennessee Coalition to End Domestic and Sexual Violence (Coalition) was originally formed by a group of advocates in the early 80's as part of a movement to end family violence. Recognizing the need to develop services across the state for abused women and children, in 1984 the Coalition successfully advocated for legislation which increased marriage license fees to create the first state funding for domestic violence shelters and child abuse prevention agencies. After this successful effort, the group decided to formalize its existence as the Tennessee Task Force on Family Violence. The Task Force merged in 2000 with the Tennessee Coalition Against Sexual Assault and eventually became the Tennessee Coalition to End Domestic and Sexual Violence, Tennessee's only statewide coalition dedicated to the eradication of violence against women.

Impact

Here's some of what we've been able to accomplish this past year with your help and support: $400,000 was invested by the Coalition in local community efforts to end domestic and sexual violence, 45 trainings were provided to 11,497 victim service providers working in domestic violence shelters, rape crisis centers, law enforcement agencies, mental health, housing, health care, social service organizations and businesses, 3,485 requests for technical assistance were fulfilled via email listservs, 1,107 requests for technical assistance were fulfilled via phone and one-to-one emails, 113 immigrant and trafficked survivors received direct legal advice and representation from the Coalition's Immigrant Legal Clinic, 81 low income survivors of sexual assault received holistic legal services, and 89 survivors fleeing dangerous situations got help with moving and housing expenses through the Coalition's Emergency Assistance Fund.

Needs

The Coalition works every day to end domestic and sexual violence in the lives of Tennesseans and to support survivors of domestic and sexual violence. We raise awareness about the issue and provide resources to local programs across the state to better serve survivors. We develop programs that teach a new generation about violence-free relationships and advocate for policies that protect survivors. We provide much needed legal services to survivors of abuse across the state. While we serve survivors and the community, we also emphasize our prevention efforts in universities, workplaces, and other communities as a means to address this issue at its source. We rely on allies like you to join with us in this lifesaving work, as every dollar is invested in our mission to end domestic and sexual violence in Tennessee.

CEO Statement

I feel very fortunate to have the opportunity each and every day to contribute to a safer Tennessee. Our multi-faceted statewide response to domestic violence, sexual assault, trafficking, and stalking protects survivors, holds perpetrators accountable, supports local programs and advocates, and empowers communities to effectively address violence. By including diverse voices and building partnerships, we are shaping a future where families and individuals from all walks of life can feel safe in their homes and in their communities. We invite you to join us by making a financial investment in this lifesaving work.

Board Chair Statement

Having worked for 25 years to build empowered communities and support children and families, I am committed to partnering with the Coalition to end domestic and sexual violence in Tennessee. The Coalition invests their time, money, and resources in building up stronger communities that are empowered to address gender based violence. The Coalition has made great strides in Tennessee to create policy change and to change to lives of survivors through education, legal assistance, and advocacy. I am honored to serve as the board chair and to contribute my time and experience to the Coalition's mission.

Service Categories
Primary Category:	Civil Rights, Social Action, Advocacy  - Women's Rights
Secondary Category:	Crime & Legal - Related  - Protection Against Abuse
Tertiary Category:	Community Improvement, Capacity Building  - Alliances & Advocacy

Areas Served

TN