(865) 523-6126

info@ywcaknox.com

What We Do

Victim Services

Victim Services

“Domestic violence (also called intimate partner violence, domestic abuse or relationship abuse) is a pattern of behaviors used by one partner to maintain power and control over another partner in an intimate relationship.” — National Domestic Violence Hotline

Help is Available

If you are in immediate danger, please call 9-1-1. YWCA Knoxville and the Tennessee Valley offers support and services to women and families in Knox, Anderson, Loudon, and Roane Counties. Victim Advocates are available to provide assistance with orders of protection, accompany victims to court, conduct danger assessments, and develop safety plans. In addition, advocates also lead support groups and provide referrals to other local services as needed. Information is available 24 hours a day, by calling (865) 523-6126.

All victim advocacy services are offered at no charge and are completely confidential to ensure client safety.

Victim Advocacy Program

Founded in 1988, the YWCA Victim Advocacy Program (VAP) is the only community-based non-shelter program in Knox County, the only program with advocates in both criminal and civil courts, and the only program with bilingual/bicultural advocates (Spanish, English, Arabic, and French). The YWCA is an onsite partner at the Knoxville Family Justice Center. YWCA advocates are stationed at the Family Justice Center, in court, and out in the community. In 2015, the YWCA expanded services to offer community based advocacy in Anderson County. In 2018, services expanded to Roane and Loudon counties.

YWCA offers culturally-specific advocates for immigrant, refugee, LGBTQ+, Latinx, and African-American populations, as well as, support groups in English, Spanish, and Arabic to women who have experienced domestic violence and to female family members. Although every domestic violence situation is different, victims/survivors may find it beneficial to talk about their feelings with others who are going through similar experiences. Led by trained facilitators, confidential support groups meet weekly and address a variety of issues related to domestic violence in a caring, nurturing environment.

Justice for Families Supervised Visitation & Safe-Exchange Program

The Justice for Families Program offers supervised visitation and safe-exchange services for families. Offered through funding from the Office on Violence Against Women, this program serves families who have experienced violence within their relationships in and around Anderson County. YWCA staff deliver non-judgmental services with an emphasis on healthy relationships and healing from violence in a safe and supportive environment. The YWCA Oak Ridge building is equipped with security systems, isolated office spaces, a kitchenette, accessible bathrooms, waiting rooms for parents, and more to ensure the space is safe for all utilizing these services.

Safer & Stronger Transitional Housing Program: Anderson County

In Fall 2017, YWCA created the Safer and Stronger Transitional Housing Program to offer scattered-site transitional housing to victims of domestic violence and their families. Funded by Victims of Crime Act (VOCA), this program is specifically for residents of Anderson County who are fleeing a domestic violence situation. This program offers financial education, parenting education, and trauma-informed care, including support groups and classes specifically for victims of domestic violence.

Application Process:

  1. Contact YWCA at 865-523-6126 to schedule an intake with our Transitional Housing Coordinator.
  2. Complete and return application at program intake.
  3. Transitional housing coordinator will work with you to determine next steps.

Additional Program Requirements:

  1. Must be a resident of Anderson County.
  2. Must be a recent victim of domestic violence, in need of housing due to domestic violence.

Safer & Stronger Transitional Housing Program: Tennessee Valley

In November 2018, with funding from the Office on Violence Against Women, the YWCA extended the scattered-site transitional housing program. This program is available to victims of domestic violence and their families in Anderson, Blount, Knox, Loudon, Roane, and Sevier Counties who are victims of domestic violence, sexual violence, dating violence or stalking. This program offers financial education, parenting education, and trauma-informed care, including support groups and classes specifically for victims of domestic violence.

Application Process:

  1. Contact YWCA at 865-523-6126 to schedule an intake with our Transitional Housing Coordinator.
  2. Complete and return application at program intake.
  3. Transitional housing coordinator will work with you to determine next steps.

Additional Program Requirements:

  1. Does not have be a resident of Anderson, Blount, Knox, Loudon, Roane or Sevier counties, but must be willing to live in those counties as a part of the program.
  2. This program is for victims who are homeless or in need of transitional housing as a result of a situation of domestic violence, sexual violence, dating violence or stalking.

Community Outreach and Trainings

YWCA advocates are available to conduct community education workshops at businesses, organizations, places of worship, schools, and other locations throughout the region. For more information or to request a workshop in your community, please call (865) 523-6126. (Community workshops and trainings are offered virtually and in-person.)

Thank you to our sponsors

Thank you to our generous partners for supporting YWCA’s Social Services Programs: