Safety Protocols

  • Basic Safety Plan:

    • Stay in an area that has an exit. Stay out of bathrooms and kitchens.

    • Keep your phone with you and call 911 and warn if there are weapons involved.

    • Keep a packed bag ready. Keep it hidden in a handy place, in your car, or with a trusted friend in order to be able to leave quickly.

    • Devise a code or signal. Tell your children, a friend, or a neighbor so that if you need to use it they know to call 911.

    • Trust your judgement. Always consider anything that keeps you safe and gives you time to figure out what to do next.

    • Make sure to take all important items with you if you decide to leave.

      • Order of Protection

      • Identification/Passport

      • Medication

      • Birth Certificates, Social Security Cards

      • Marriage Certificates/Divorce Papers

      • Photos

      • Any Personal Items That Cannot Be Replaces

      • Money/Credit Cards

  • Emergency Shelter Info:

    Use the convenient list of DV shelters below using the links provided.

    The client must speak to the shelter directly.

    Clients can get to shelter several different ways.

    1. Drive themselves.

    2. Ride with a friend. The shelter will have a designated meeting place away from the actual shelter.

    3. Be transported by law enforcement.

    4. ACFJC transport during business hours only.

Emergency Shelters

  • Client must speak to the shelters personally. Shelters will not make arrangements for clients through other parties, this includes law enforcement officers and advocates.

  • Knoxville Family Crisis Center

    (865) 637-8000

    The Knoxville Family Crisis Center is a place of safety and refuge for adults and children experiencing domestic violence.

    Young Williams Animal Center provides emergency shelter for pets belonging to domestic violence victims. Call 865-215-6345 to reach Young Williams Animal Center.

  • Community Health of East Tennessee Family Services Center

    (423) 562-8325

    CHET’s Family Services Center is a safe, secure and confidential program for victims of domestic violence.

    Click here to reach the Community Health of East Tennessee Domestic Violence 24 hour crisis and emergency shelter hotline.

  • The Avalon Center

    (800) 641-3434

    The Avalon Center is a 24 hour shelter that serves domestic violence and sexual assault victims. Click here to reach their crisis helpline.

  • Haven House

    (865) 982-1087

    Haven House is a 24 hour shelter for victims of domestic violence and sexual assault. Click here for the link to Haven House crisis line.

  • Iva's Place

    (866) 239-0871

    Iva’s Place is a 24 hour shelter for victims of domestic violence and sexual assault. Click here to reach Iva’s Place.

  • The H.O.P.E. Center

    (423) 745-5289

    The H.O.P.E. Center is a 24 hour shelter for victims of domestic violence and sexual assault.