Press Room
Members of the media are encouraged to contact the Coalition for interviews, comments, background information, and expert perspectives on domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, prevention, victim services, public policy, forensic nursing, and related issues in Tennessee.
Please include your outlet, topic, deadline, and the type of information or interview you’re requesting so we can connect you with the appropriate staff member as quickly as possible.
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — The Tennessee Coalition to End Domestic & Sexual Violence is clarifying Tennessee’s new drink spiking law following questions from businesses and community members regarding what the legislation requires.
The law, which took effect July 1, 2026, makes it a felony to intentionally spike another person’s drink, food, or medication to cause involuntary intoxication. While earlier versions of the legislation proposed requiring bars, restaurants, and other alcohol-serving establishments to provide drink testing devices, that requirement was removed before the bill was passed into law.
“We’ve heard from businesses across Tennessee that want to do the right thing and keep their patrons safe,” Jennifer Escue, Chief Executive Officer of the Tennessee Coalition to End Domestic & Sexual Violence, said. “We want to make it clear that Tennessee’s new law does not require businesses to purchase or provide drink testing devices. The law instead focuses on holding individuals accountable by making the intentional act of drugging someone’s drink, food, or medication a felony.”
Escue emphasized that preventing drink spiking requires a comprehensive approach that goes beyond any single product or device.
“Drink testing strips can certainly be one helpful tool, but they should never be viewed as the only solution,” Escue said. “The most effective prevention happens when businesses invest in well-trained staff, encourage active bystander intervention, respond quickly to concerning situations, and create an environment where patrons know their safety is a priority. Preventing sexual violence requires all of us to work together.”
The Coalition encourages bars, restaurants, entertainment venues, and hospitality businesses to consider offering drink testing devices voluntarily as part of broader patron safety efforts, while also implementing evidence-informed prevention strategies such as staff education, monitoring unattended drinks, and establishing clear response protocols. The Coalition also recommends participation in programs such as the Sexual Assault Center’s Safe Bar Program, which equips businesses with practical tools to help create safer environments.
Anyone who believes they have been the victim of drink spiking should seek medical attention immediately if needed, notify venue staff, contact local law enforcement, and, if it can be done safely, preserve the drink as potential evidence.
“The passage of this law sends an important message that intentionally drugging another person will not be tolerated in Tennessee,” Escue said. “Our hope is that increased awareness, stronger accountability, and continued prevention efforts will help reduce these crimes and create safer communities for everyone.”
About the Tennessee Coalition to End Domestic & Sexual Violence
The Tennessee Coalition to End Domestic & Sexual Violence is the state’s leading organization dedicated to ending domestic and sexual violence through public policy advocacy, education, training, prevention, and support for victim service providers across Tennessee.
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Starting today, Tennesseans have a new way to support survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault.
The new Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention specialty license plate is now available for preorder, but the campaign must reach 1,000 preorders before the plate can be produced. Once that goal is met, proceeds will help fund survivor services, prevention efforts, and public education across Tennessee.
“Every license plate represents more than support for a cause,” said Jennifer Escue, CEO of the Tennessee Coalition to End Domestic and Sexual Violence. “It represents a commitment to building safer communities, believing in survivors, and helping ensure no one has to face abuse alone.”
Proceeds from the plate will benefit the Tennessee Coalition to End Domestic and Sexual Violence, helping fund statewide prevention and education efforts, training and technical assistance, and local programs that provide emergency shelter, advocacy, counseling, crisis intervention, and other essential services for survivors.
According to the latest available data from the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, 60,635 victims of domestic violence were reported to Tennessee law enforcement in 2024, highlighting the ongoing need for prevention efforts and survivor services across Tennessee.
“This is an opportunity for Tennesseans to make a visible statement that violence has no place in our communities,” Escue said. “Every plate on the road sends a message that survivors matter.”
A $35 preorder reserves your plate and counts toward the 1,000-preorder goal.
For more information about the Tennessee Coalition to End Domestic and Sexual Violence, visit https://tncoalition.org
NASHVILLE, Tenn. “Abuse doesn’t check a bank account before it chooses a victim. It crosses every ZIP code, every profession, every age, and every background. Domestic violence is about power and control, not income or social status.”
That’s the message Jennifer Escue, CEO of the Tennessee Coalition to End Domestic and Sexual Violence, shared following the recent domestic violence homicide in Williamson County.
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Williamson County’s median household income was $135,594 from 2020 to 2024—nearly double Tennessee’s statewide median of $69,595.
“Financial security, professional success, and community reputation don’t protect someone from abuse,” Escue said. “One of the most dangerous misconceptions about domestic violence is that it only happens somewhere else, to someone else. That belief keeps victims silent, blinds friends and families to the warning signs, and delays life-saving intervention.”
“Williamson County’s affluence doesn’t make it an exception,” Escue said. “More than 60,000 domestic violence victims were reported to Tennessee law enforcement in 2024. Those aren’t just numbers. Those are 60,000 reminders that domestic violence isn’t a neighborhood problem. It’s a human problem. No community is immune, which means every community has a role to play in recognizing the warning signs, believing survivors, and responding before violence escalates.”
“Every domestic violence homicide is one too many,” Escue said. “If this tragedy prompts even one person to reach out for help, check on someone they love, or learn the warning signs of abuse, we can honor this victim by helping prevent another family from experiencing the same loss.”
The Tennessee Coalition to End Domestic and Sexual Violence extends its deepest condolences to the victim’s loved ones and to everyone affected by this tragedy.
If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence or sexual assault, confidential help is available.
Tennessee Resources
Tennessee Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-356-6767
Tennessee Sexual Assault Hotline: 1-866-811-7473
Find your local domestic violence or sexual assault program: www.tncoalition.org
Support is available 24/7. Find services near you or call a hotline now. It is completely free, confidential, and safe.
Tennessee Domestic Violence Hotline
Tennessee Sexual Assault Hotline
