Tennessee Observes Domestic Violence Awareness Month

NASHVILLE, TN – Governor Bill Lee has officially declared October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month in Tennessee. According to the 2024 TBI Crime in Tennessee Report, 60,495 domestic violence victims were reported in the state last year. The full report can be viewed here:  TBI Annual Report 2023-2024.

The Office of Criminal Justice Programs (OCJP) provides state and federal funding to support domestic violence services through 105 grants throughout Tennessee. These programs provide information and referrals, counseling, advocacy, court advocacy and shelter/transitional housing to those experiencing domestic violence in Tennessee. OCJP grants include funding to 13 Family Justice Centers located in Anderson, Claiborne, Davidson, Hamilton, Haywood, Henderson, Knox, Madison, Overton, Putnam, Scott, Sullivan, and Washington Counties. The Family Justice Centers play a vital role in coordinating with domestic violence shelters, law enforcement, the courts, and other partnering victim services agencies.

“Every day, Tennessee’s domestic violence shelters and Family Justice Centers offer safety and essential resources to survivors across the state,” said OCJP Director Jennifer Brinkman. “It is the dedication of advocates in these programs that makes a difference—guiding victims toward safety, healing, and hope. I am deeply grateful for their commitment to ending the cycle of abuse.”

If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, call the 24-hour statewide hotline at 1-800-356-6767. 

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