Statistics

Crime Prevention Tips From National Crime Prevention Council 1700 K Street, NW, Second Floor Washington, DC 20006-3817

Kingsport POLICE DEPARTMENT
For additional information call: (423) 229-9300

INFORMATION AND HELP

Contact Concern -
Crisis Intervention and Information
*(423)246-2273
Safehouse
*(423)246-2273
Safe Passage
*(423)926-7233
Hope House
*(276)386-1373
Abuse Alternatives
*(800)987-6499

National Domestic Violence Hotline
(800)799-SAFE (7233)

Kingsport Police Department
(423)229-9300 (business)
911 (emergency)
Domestic Violence Unit
(423)224-2538

Sullivan Co. Sheriff's Dept.
(423)323-5121

*24-hour hotline available

Sullivan County
Child Protective
Services Office
Blountville
*423-323-2044
1-800-54ABUSE
(1-800-542-2873)
FAX 423-272-0061
423-279-7853

Hawkins County
Department of
Children's Services
Rogersville
423-272-7121
1-800-54ABUSE
(1-800-542-2873)
FAX 423-272-2832

TN Child Protective Services

Adult Protective Services
To report abuse or neglect of an adult over 18: 888-277-8366

Holston Counceling
423-224-1300

TN Victim-Witness Services
423-279-3288

Nashville PD
Domestic Abuse Policy
(similar all across TN)

Responding to Domestic Violence

As many as four million women in this country will suffer some kind of violence at the hands of her husband or boyfriend.

Very few will tell anyone - not a friend, a relative, a neighbor, or the police.

Victims of domestic violence come from all walks of life - all cultures, all income groups, all ages, all religions. They share feelings of helplessness, isolation, guilt, fear, and shame.

All hope it won’t happen again, but often it does.

ARE YOU ABUSED?
Does the person you love...

• "Track" all of your time?
• Constantly accuse you of being unfaithful?
• Discourage your relationships with family and friends?
• Prevent you from working or attending school?
• Criticize you for little things?
• Anger easily when drinking or on drugs?
• Control all finances and force you to account in detail for what you spend?
• Humiliate you in front of others?
• Destroy personal property or sentimental items?
• Hit punch, slap, kick, or bite you or the children?
• Use or threaten to use a weapon against you?
• Threaten to hurt you or the children?
• Force you to have sex against your will?

If you find yourself saying yes, it’s time to get help.

DON’T IGNORE THE PROBLEM

• Talk to someone. Part of the abusers power comes from secrecy. Victims are often ashamed to let anyone know about intimate family problems. Go to a friend or neighbor, or call a domestic violence hotline to talk to a counselor.
• Plan ahead and know what you will do if you are attacked again. If you decide to leave, choose a place to go; set aside some money. Put important papers together -- marriage license, birth certificates, check books -- in a place where you can get them quickly.
• Learn to think independently. Try to plan for the future and set goals for yourself.

IF YOU ARE HURT, WHAT CAN YOU DO?
There are no easy answers, but there are things you can do to protect yourself.

• Call the police or sheriff. Assault, even by family members, is a crime. The police often have information about shelters and other agencies that help victims of domestic violence.
• Leave, or have someone come and stay with you. Go to a battered women’s shelter - call a crisis hotline in your community or a health center to locate a shelter if you believe that you, and your children, are in danger - leave immediately.
• Get medical attention from your doctor or a hospital emergency room. Ask the staff to photograph your injuries and keep detailed records in case you decide to take legal action.
• Contact your family court for information about a civil protection order that does not involve criminal charges or penalties.

HAVE YOU HURT SOMEONE IN YOUR FAMILY?

• Accept the fact that your violent behavior will destroy your family. Be aware that you break the law when you physically hurt someone.
• Take responsibility for your actions and get help.
• When you feel tension building, get away. Work off the angry energy through a walk, a project, a sport.
• Call a domestic violence hotline or health center and ask about counseling and support groups for people who batter.

THE HIGH COSTS OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE

• Men and women who follow their parents’ example and use violence to solve conflicts are teaching the same destructive behavior to their children.
• Jobs can be lost or careers stalled because of injuries, arrests, or harassments.
• Lives are lost when violence results in death.

TAKE A STAND!

• Reach out to someone you believe is a victim of family violence, or to someone you think is being abusive. Don’t give up easily - change takes time. Ending the family’s isolation is a critical first step.
• Urge organizations and businesses to raise community awareness by hosting speakers on domestic violence launching public education campaigns, and raising funds for shelters and hotlines.
• Ask the local newspaper, radio station, or television station to examine the problem and publicize resources in the community through special features and forums.
• Form coalitions or “watchdog” groups to monitor the response of local law enforcement agencies and courts. Offer praise where appropriate and demand reform when necessary.
• Most communities offer resources for victims of family violence. Check your telephone directory or ask a law enforcement agency.