The mission of the Coalition is to end domestic and sexual violence in the lives of Tennesseans and to change societal attitudes and institutions that promote and condone violence, through public policy advocacy, education and activities that increase the capacity of programs and communities to address such violence.

The Tennessee Coalition to End Domestic and Sexual Violence (Coalition) was originally formed by a group of advocates in the early 80’s as part of a movement to end family violence. Recognizing the need to develop services across the state for abused women and children, in 1984 the Coalition successfully advocated for legislation which increased marriage license fees to create the first state funding for domestic violence shelters and child abuse prevention agencies. That same year, the Coalition joined with organizations across the country to encourage the passage of the Family Violence Prevention and Services Act (FVPSA) which established the first federal domestic violence funding.

In 1995, the Coalition worked to garner support for the passage of the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) which created federal funding for social service providers, law enforcement and courts to address domestic and sexual violence. This funding helped establish the Coalition’s Women’s Resource Center on Domestic and Sexual Violence and led to the merger of the Coalition with the Tennessee Coalition Against Sexual Assault.

The Coalition’s effective grassroots public policy advocacy has led to the passage of more than 200 new Tennessee laws designed to increase victim safety and offender accountability including orders of protection, stalking, domestic assault, free rape exams, and mandatory testing of rape kits.

As a result of the expert training and technical assistance the Coalition provides to local communities, the number of programs serving survivors of domestic and sexual violence has increased from five in 1983 to more than sixty today.

Nurturing safer communities, the Coalition established the Women’s Resource Center on Domestic and Sexual Violence, the Domestic Violence State Coordinating Council, the Dianne Stewart Emergency Assistance Fund for Victims, the Statewide Victim Notification System (SAVIN), the Senator Tommy Burks Victim Assistance Academy, the model Law Enforcement Training Project, the Rural Outreach Project, the Coalition Legal Clinics, and a host of annual trainings, conferences and webinars. The Coalition also supports collaboration among service providers, law enforcement and courts through the establishment of local community task forces, Sexual Assault Response Teams, and family justice centers.

The Coalition launched the first statewide public awareness campaign on domestic and sexual violence and continues to facilitate prevention efforts though the DELTA Impact Project and the annual Rape Prevention Education Conference.

Inclusiveness

The Coalition and its membership shall not discriminate against any person. Creating a culture that is sensitive, open and accepting, we value diversity and strive to reflect in our organization the array of people we serve.

Safety

We oppose the use of violence in all forms. Each person has the right to engage in equal relationships without fear of violence.

Integrity

Each individual is unique and inherently worthwhile. We are building a coalition of confident, creative members, each one striving for the highest degree of compassion and ethical behavior.

Empowerment

We operate on principles that ensure that individuals speak in their own voices. We provide opportunities for personal, professional and program growth.

Continuous Improvement

We will be dynamic, creative, innovative and visionary leaders through continuous reflection, commitment to quality and growth. We will model these values and in so doing, serve as role models for others.

The Tennessee Coalition to End Domestic and Sexual Violence (EIN: 58-1632437) is exempt from federal income tax under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code and is classified as a public charity under section 509(a)(2). For more information about the Coalition, check our listing on GivingMatters.com.

Click through to view our Charitible Solicitation, 503(c)(3) Determination Letter, and Audited Financial Statements.

The Tennessee Coalition to End Domestic and Sexual Violence provides services to person without regard to race, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity (or expression), religion, handicap or disability. The Coalition prohibits harassment by employees based on race, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity (or expression), religion, and national origin.