Abuse or violence of any kind directed at you is not your fault. It is the abuser’s fault. This includes physical, sexual, and emotional or mental abuse. You are important, and you are enough, just as you are.

The National Women’s Law Center offers a PDF resource for survivors of sex- or gender-based harassment who want to speak out, especially if they have been threatened with retaliation for telling.

There are many resources available in our region. Here are some we recommend that are inclusive and trauma-informed.

Please note:

All the resources below are for gender-based violence survivors of any gender who are 18 years of age or older. Survivors of this age all have the option to report or not report sexual violence to law enforcement UNLESS:

• An assault involved strangulation or the use of a deadly weapon; these cases must be reported to police if any service provider or medical professional is involved. AND it is critical that survivors of strangulation seek medical care immediately due to the unexpected and severe health problems that can arise hours or days after a strangulation.

Every person 18 or older in Tennessee is a mandated reporter, which means they are required, by law, to report abuse of a child. This can be done anonymously by calling Tennessee’s Child Abuse Hotline at 877-237-0004 or by filling out a form. If there is immediate danger, please call 911.

Police involvement can be dangerous for some people and often is not what a survivor wants. Unfortunately, youth 17 or younger do not have the option to avoid police involvement if they seek services locally. RAINN might be a good resource for you. They do not ask for your name, address, or other identifying information and they do not record the calls. However, if you share your name and location and that you are under 18 they may be required to report the sexual violence you experienced.

If you are a youth 17 or younger and have survived sexual violence, any of the resources below will direct you to the Children’s Advocacy Center for support.

Websites

The Tennessee Sexual Assault Help website has a quick exit button. This website has important information for survivors about their legal rights and services available to them. It also includes information investigators, first responders, and medical professionals should know about trauma response and their responsibility to support survivors.

Local Resources

Sexual Assault & Domestic Violence Services in Washington and Sullivan Counties

These organizations enhance survivor safety and recovery in Washington County (Family Justice Center) and Sullivan County (Branch House). They work with a team of professionals who provide coordinated services (creating safety plans, advocacy, mental healthcare, shelter, legal services) to help survivors navigate social services and the civil and criminal justice processes if necessary.

24/7 Hotline Sullivan County: 423-574-7233

24/7 sexual assault hotline Washington County: 423-306-5169

24/7 domestic violence hotline for Washington Co.: 423-926-7233

Domestic violence shelters and services in Sullivan and Washington Counties (TN)

Safe House in Kingsport and Johnson City is a gender-inclusive program for victims of family violence. Safe House provides 28 beds in two distinct shelters, located in undisclosed locations in Kingsport and Johnson City. Safe House provides safe confidential shelter to any victim of domestic violence as well as their dependent children. Safe House staff work with the Family Justice Center and Branch House. Services include:

• 24/7 Hotline & advocacy for survivors of domestic violence or sexual assault

• 24/7 Coordination with sexual assault nurse examiners (SANE Nurses).

• 24/7 Sexual assault advocate on call to accompany survivors to area hospitals

• Transitional housing support

• Case management

• Assistance with safety planning and orders of protection

• Transportation

24/7 hotline: 844-578-SAFE.

Domestic Violence Shelter and Services in Carter, Greene, and Unicoi Counties: CHIPS (Change is Possible Domestic Violence Shelter) provides shelter and services to survivors of domestic violence and their children that will enable them to begin and maintain a life free of violence. CHIPS ​provides trauma-informed care to all victims and does not discriminate based on race, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity (or expression), religion, color, national origin, disability, age or marital status.

24/7 hotline: 423-388-8281