A non-profit specializing in supportive services for survivors of domestic and sexual violence
12/19/2025
We are honored to share that we have received new grant funding from the Heart of Rutherford Foundation to strengthen our court advocacy services.
Through these services, we stand alongside survivors as they file petitions for orders of protection—helping them navigate the legal system and pursue the outcomes they deserve.
It takes immense courage to step forward and seek protection. Our role is to champion survivors’ voices, ensuring they are heard and supported every step of the way.
Together, we can shatter the silence and bring light to the darkness.
We extend our deepest gratitude to the Heart of Rutherford Foundation for believing in this mission and empowering us to continue this vital work.
12/18/2025
At DVSA, we are deeply blessed to serve in a community supported by the Christy-Houston Foundation. Their leadership in education and collaboration for non-profits reminds us that miracles truly happen every day.
Today, we were honored to receive a Santa Gift Grant, and we are profoundly grateful knowing these vital funds will strengthen our mission to serve survivors of domestic and sexual violence.
As we continue to provide lifesaving services at no cost, we are humbled to walk alongside survivors in each healing journey. Together, we are building hope, resilience, and brighter futures.
12/17/2025
We are deeply grateful to the Town of Smyrna, TN - Local Government and the Smyrna Charity Assistance Fund for their generous grant award.
This vital funding ensures that survivors in Smyrna receive impactful services to begin their journey of hope and healing. With this support, we can continue reaching survivors across the northern end of Rutherford County, ensuring that no one faces domestic or sexual violence alone.
💜 Thank you for standing with survivors. Together, we strive to build a community where no victim suffers in silence.
12/11/2025
Our office will be closing at 11:30 a.m. on Thursday, December 11th for our annual Staff Appreciation Luncheon.
This time is dedicated to honoring our incredible team, giving them space to practice self‑care, and recognizing their unwavering commitment to supporting survivors of domestic and sexual violence.
Please remember: our crisis lines remain available 24/7 to ensure continued support.
📞 Domestic Violence Crisis Line: 615‑896‑2012
📞 Sexual Assault Crisis Line: 615‑494‑9262
Thank you for your understanding and for joining us in celebrating the dedication of our staff.
12/11/2025
We are deeply grateful to Publix for their recent grant award. This generous funding strengthens our mission to support survivors through the operation of our emergency safe shelter.
It truly takes a community to stand alongside survivors, and we are honored to have partners like Publix who make a meaningful impact on the work we do every day. Together, we are building pathways to safety, healing, and hope. 💜
12/08/2025
We are deeply thankful to the Tennessee Bar Foundation for their generous grant award supporting legal representation for the survivors we serve. Through this funding, our agency is able to assist survivors in filing petitions for Orders of Protection—at absolutely no cost to them.
This vital representation ensures that survivors are not alone in court. They have a dedicated team fighting for their safety and empowering them throughout the legal process.
We are profoundly grateful for this recognition of the essential support survivors of domestic violence need. Together, we are building a stronger path to justice and safety.
12/07/2025
We're excited to announce that we have been awarded a Community Impact Grant from Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee. This support strengthens our mission of providing equal access to counseling and crisis intervention services for sexual assault survivors and reflects confidence in our ability to make a meaningful difference. We are proud to be a .
12/01/2025
Giving Tuesday is December 2nd.
Survivors of sexual violence face an increased risk of depression, PTSD, and suicidal behaviors. Trauma recovery and counseling are not optional—they are life-saving.
This Giving Tuesday, you can be the reason a survivor finds hope.
Scan the code to give today!
11/27/2025
Our office will be closed on Thursday, November 27th and Friday, November 28th in observance of Thanksgiving.
💜 Please remember: our crisis lines remain available 24/7 to support survivors.
Domestic Violence: 615-896-2012
Sexual Assault: 615-494-9262
As we enter this season of gratitude, we are deeply thankful for the unwavering support our community provides year-round. The resilience of survivors inspires us every day, and we remain committed to standing beside you.
11/26/2025
Giving Tuesday is just one week away! Every gift is life-saving for a survivor of domestic or sexual violence.
💜 Will you be the spark that ignites hope and healing?
💜 Will you be the reason someone finds the courage to leave a dangerous situation? 💜 Will you stand with survivors to honor their resilience, their strength, and their choice?
It takes all of us—standing in solidarity, believing survivors, and shattering the silence. Scan the QR code today and be part of the movement.
11/21/2025
We extend our deepest gratitude to Modern Woodmen of America and North Rutherford YMCA Ronald Reagan Family Center for their generous donation in honor of Angi Ross Lambert and Carla Dillard, whose lives were tragically taken by domestic violence.
Their memory reminds us of the importance of standing together. It takes all of us—neighbors, organizations, and community partners—to support survivors and to work toward a future free from violence. We will always remember Angi and Carla, and we honor their legacy by continuing to build a safer, more compassionate community.
11/15/2025
🎄 Make a Child’s Christmas Magical! 🎁
Are you looking to make a meaningful impact this holiday season? Join us in bringing joy to the children at Bernard House, our shelter for families in need.
We’re seeking Christmas sponsors to help make the season bright. Each sponsor is asked to spend $150 on gifts for an assigned child.
📝 Gift wish lists will be distributed the first week of December
📦 Gifts are due back to our public office by December 19th
Your generosity can light up a child’s world this Christmas. For more information or to become a sponsor, please contact Ericka at ericka@dvsacenter.org
Thank you for helping us spread love and hope this holiday season! 💖
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Contact The Practice
Send a message to Domestic Violence & Sexual Assault Center:
The Domestic Violence Center of Rutherford County was started in 1986. Deborah Johnson was the program founder and served as the Executive Director for 30 years until 2016. The program started with a tiny, one room office, with a desk and a phone, two salaries, and limited services funded by VOCA. In 1988, two safe houses and counseling services were added.
After 15 years of hard advocacy work, in 2003 the program was able to build a confidential, emergency, safe shelter – deemed the Bernard House. In 2007 Domestic Violence Program merged with Sexual Assault Services, becoming a duel program that provided hospital accompaniment, counseling, and legal services to victims of sexual assault and stalking, in addition to domestic violence.
The organization continues to grow and mold to fit the needs of its growing and changing community, to better assist the women, men, and children who find themselves in the crisis and critical situation of domestic and sexual violence.
MISSION
At Domestic Violence & Sexual Assault Center our mission is simple: to PROTECT victims, PREVENT violence, and EMPOWER survivors.
We accomplish this by providing citizens of Rutherford County with the resources and assistance necessary to effectively deal with the personal, social, and legal implications of victimization by domestic violence and sexual assault.
STRATEGIC GOALS
CLIENT OUTCOMES: Deliver quality crisis services to ensure the safety of our clients and to help them achieve improved social emotional wellbeing.
EDUCATION & AWARENESS: Educate the community about the incidence and causes of domestic violence and sexual assault, and increase awareness of the critical importance of the services we provide.
SUSTAINABILITY: Increase and diversify financial support to sustain our mission.
STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIPS: Continue to build relationships with public and private organizations to achieve greater impact.
ORGANIZATION CAPACITY: Develop and strengthen the organization’s capacity to fulfill our mission goals.
