Help leaving domestic violence in Tennessee
We've found 10 places in Tennessee for people leaving an abuser, mostly in Memphis, Knoxville and Nashville, and 6 that serve the whole state. Our volunteers haven't confirmed these yet, so a quick call ahead is worth it. Most of them help with shelter & housing (5), legal help (4) and safety & protection (3).
Places in Tennessee
Tennessee Statewide Domestic Violence Hotline
Round-the-clock phone line for anyone in Tennessee experiencing domestic violence, with a companion line for sexual assault. Advocates connect callers to local shelters and legal help; the Coalition itself does not operate a shelter.
211 Tennessee (Middle Tennessee)
Free information line covering 42 Middle Tennessee counties that points callers to food, rent help, shelter, utilities, and health services. Dial three digits or text a ZIP code to reach a specialist any time of day.
MIFA Emergency Services
Memphis nonprofit that pays rent or mortgage arrears for eligible households facing eviction, places homeless families in shelter, and offers rapid rehousing. Applications are taken online, with the main office open weekday business hours.
Legal Aid Society of Middle Tennessee and the Cumberlands
Free civil legal help across 48 Middle and Upper Cumberland counties, including eviction defense, restoration of rights after a conviction, and legal clinics. Phone intake is required before any in-person appointment; the Nashville office serves Davidson and Williamson counties.
Legal Aid of East Tennessee (Knoxville)
Civil legal aid for Knox, Loudon, and Sevier counties from the downtown Knoxville office, with a dedicated Eviction Prevention Program and attorneys stationed at the Family Justice Center for abuse and trafficking cases. Apply online unless your court date is within 14 days, in which case call the office directly.
Tennessee Office of Vital Records
State office that issues certified birth certificates for $15 per copy. Because records are registered statewide, any county health department can also issue a Tennessee birth certificate; bring identification and fees, and non-parent/child/spouse requesters need proof of entitlement.
Tennessee Identification License
State photo ID for Tennesseans who do not hold a driver license. Apply at a Driver Services Center with proof of citizenship or legal presence, proof of Social Security number, and two proofs of Tennessee residency; a free permanent ID is available to residents whose disability prevents driving.
One DHS Customer Portal (SNAP, Families First, Child Care)
Tennessee's online door to food stamps and other DHS benefits, open around the clock, with a contact center for people who prefer to call. Upload copies of ID, income, and shelter-cost documents within 10 days of applying to avoid delays.
YWCA Nashville & Middle Tennessee Crisis & Support Helpline
Day-and-night helpline that places survivors in the 70-bed Weaver Domestic Violence Center at an undisclosed Nashville location, with a pet shelter on site. Texting is available for people who cannot safely talk, and support groups include an LGBTQ+-focused option.
YWCA Abused Women's Services Crisis Hotline
Memphis crisis line for women and children leaving abusive relationships, leading to emergency shelter and court advocacy. YWCA Greater Memphis also runs transitional housing for homeless women with children through Memphis Family Shelter.
National lines that work in Tennessee
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
Call or text 988 for any mental health or substance use crisis. Available to anyone in any program.
Lifeline free phone program
Free or discounted phone and service for people on Medicaid, SNAP, SSI, or low income. Apply online or through a carrier.
National Domestic Violence Hotline
24/7 confidential help for anyone affected by domestic violence. Advocates connect you to local shelters and legal help.