COVID-19 and Domestic Violence
In order to protect our community from the spread of the new virus COVID-19, health officials have recommended practicing social distancing, or avoiding close contact with others and wearing a mask whenever you have to be in public. This nationwide effort means many businesses are closed, events have been canceled, people may be working or taking classes from home, and in-person visits with loved ones in high risk categories - such as someone over the age of 60 or who has an underlying health issue - are being minimized.
For survivors of domestic violence who are still experiencing abuse, practicing social distancing may mean spending more time alone with their abuser, putting them at greater risk of violence. Below are some resources to keep survivors safe during this time of uncertainty. |
Is the Family Justice Center Open?
Yes, we are still serving clients.
Our advocates can provide many services over the phone, but if an in-person visit is necessary, we are protecting the safety of clients and staff by limiting the number of people inside the building, wearing masks, and avoiding having conversations in small rooms. We can provide a cloth mask for visitors if you do not already have one.
Our advocates can provide many services over the phone, but if an in-person visit is necessary, we are protecting the safety of clients and staff by limiting the number of people inside the building, wearing masks, and avoiding having conversations in small rooms. We can provide a cloth mask for visitors if you do not already have one.
What can an advocate help me with?
- Transportation - if you need help getting to shelter or to a domestic violence service, we can help
- Language assistance - we can provide interpretation for most languages
- Orders of Protection
- Safety planning
- Danger assessment
- Prosecution
- Civil legal assistance
- Counseling referrals
- Access to shelter
- Access to emergency pet sheltering
- Employment assistance
- Housing – short and long term
- Childcare
- Services for the elderly, individuals with disabilities and other special populations
What happens if I call the police?
Emergency services are still available throughout the Safer at Home Order. If you have an immediate concern for your safety, you should still call 911 and law enforcement will respond.
This article from Knox News has more info on the ways law enforcement can help.
This article from Knox News has more info on the ways law enforcement can help.
Safety PlanTo work with an advocate to create a personalized safety plan, give us a call at 865-521-6336. Here is a general plan that might help.
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Important Numbers and resourcesDomestic Violence help
Financial Assistance
COVID-19 informationGet the latest info from the Knox County Health Department
The “Tennessee Pledge” is a plan to help Tennesseans return to work in a safe environment, restore their livelihoods and reboot our state’s economy. |
Things you can still do
- Phone calls or video chats with friends. Keeping in touch with friends is good for your emotional health, and will also help normalize phone calls in case you need to call for help.
- Errands like grocery shopping, picking up medications, doctor's appointments, etc. Be sure to practice good hand washing before and after touching common surfaces.
- Go outside. Whether in your yard, on a walking trail, or at a park, exercise and sunshine are good for your health. Just keep a six foot distance from others you might pass.
- Find a project to keep yourself busy at home. Clean out a closet, organize your garage, find something that will take time away from interacting with your abuser.
- Get help. If you are thinking of getting domestic violence help but are reluctant because of fears of sharing space with strangers, know that organizations have emergency protocols in place to ensure the safety of clients and residents. Don't delay.