Rape Prevention & Education

Preventing sexual violence through evidence-based primary prevention programs.

About the Rape Prevention and Education (RPE) Program

Sexual violence (SV) is a serious problem that affects many people. Personal choices, relationships, community, and society play a role in sexual violence. By working on all these areas, SV can be prevented.

The RPE Program helps stop SV before it happens. The Tennessee Department of Health uses this program to teach, train, and learn which prevention strategies work best. The goal is to help people and communities stay safe.

There is still a big need in Tennessee to stop SV from happening in the first place. Teaching people how to prevent it is one of the best ways to keep everyone safe.

To learn more about RPE programs, contact RPE@tn.gov.

Data and Statistics

This page provides accessible data on sexual assault and domestic violence in Tennessee to support informed decision-making, strengthen prevention strategies, and promote the health and safety of communities statewide.

Sexual Assault Reports

2019 Sexual Assault Report 2020 Sexual Assault Report 2021 Sexual Assault Report

Domestic Violence Reports

2020 Domestic Violence Report 2021 Domestic Violence Report

Prevention Programs

The programs and strategies listed below are evidence-based approaches focused on preventing domestic and sexual violence and supporting survivors in their recovery. These resources aim to promote safe and healthy communities, foster respectful relationships, and provide pathways for those affected to regain stability and well-being.

External links and accessibility notice:
Some of the following resources link to external websites not managed by the Tennessee Department of Health (TDH). TDH is not responsible for the content, accessibility, or privacy practices of these external sites.

Tennessee Benefit Kitchen

Tennessee Benefit Kitchen is a free online screener that helps residents quickly find out if they qualify for tax credits and public benefits. By texting “Benefits” to 211-211, Tennessee residents can complete a 5–10 minute screening and receive a personalized list of eligible programs, along with application links. Covered benefits include food and nutrition assistance, health coverage, child care and early education support, energy and cash assistance, and key tax credits.

For more information on the Tennessee Benefit Kitchen, visit the United Ways of Tennessee website.

Green Dot for Communities

Green Dot for Communities is a prevention program that empowers individuals and organizations to reduce power-based violence in their communities. By teaching participants to recognize risky behaviors and take safe, proactive actions, the program promotes a culture of respect, safety, and shared responsibility.

For more information on the Green Dot for Communities program, visit the Alteristic website.

Safe Bar

The Safe Bar Program partners with local bars and restaurants to raise awareness about alcohol’s role in sexual assault and train staff in bystander intervention. Participants learn to recognize and safely intervene in risky situations, support survivors, and foster safe, inclusive environments.

For more information on the Safe Bar Program, visit the Sexual Assault Center website.

Shifting Boundaries

Shifting Boundaries is an evidence-based program for middle school students that addresses sexual harassment and early warning signs of dating violence. It combines classroom lessons with school-wide strategies to create safer, more supportive environments for youth.

For more information on the Shifting Boundaries program, visit the preventIPV website.

Tennessee Education and Training Opportunities

Tennessee provides scholarships and grants, including Tennessee Promise, Tennessee Hope, and Tennessee Reconnect, to help Tennesseans pay for college or technical school.

Tennessee Promise Scholarship

Tennessee Promise is a scholarship and mentoring program that helps students attend college in the state. It provides a last-dollar award covering tuition and mandatory fees not paid by other financial aid and can be used at community colleges, colleges of applied technology, or eligible associate degree programs. Students maintain eligibility by attending a mandatory meeting and completing community service each year.

For more information on the Tennessee Promise scholarship, visit the College for TN website.

Tennessee HOPE Scholarship

The HOPE Scholarship, funded by the state lottery, provides financial support to recent Tennessee high school graduates attending eligible colleges or universities.

For more information on the Tennessee HOPE Scholarship, visit the College for TN website.

Tennessee Reconnect Grant

Tennessee Reconnect helps adults return to higher education to gain new skills, advance in their careers, and complete a degree or technical certificate. This last-dollar grant covers tuition not paid by other financial aid, making it tuition-free for eligible adult learners.

For more information on the Tennessee Reconnect Grant, visit the TN Reconnect website.

Resources

These resources are designed to provide support, education, and tools for prevention and intervention.

This Page Last Updated: March 26, 2026 at 3:52 PM