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This web page was designed by Detective James Scott of the Smyrna Police to aid victims of Domestic Violence, and help all Law Enforcement Officials in combating Domestic Violence. Our goal is to help create a safe environment for those victims and their families. 

"This page is based on Tennessee Law and is intended as a source of general information that I have gathered in my experience and education while serving as a police officer.
This page is dedicated to all victims and survivors of Domestic Violence, my beautiful wife and family, and all those who put their lives on the line daily so that others can be safe."  

If you are a victim of Domestic Violence you are NOT alone. Domestic Violence can occur in every social class, every race, and in every religion. It is a people problem, created by people, and can be stopped by people.
Keep yourself and your children safe.

IF YOU BECOME INVOLVED IN A VIOLENT INCIDENT, CALL THE POLICE!!  

Know your local police department's phone number or dial 911 in an emergency. Get the incident documented. Get the reporting officer's name and badge number, write it down along with the report number. Talk to the police!!! They are not mind readers, if you are scared, then tell them you are scared, and tell them why you are scared. REMEMBER!! Click for many resources available to victims of Domestic Violence.

SAVE MONEY ANY WAY YOU CAN!!  

Save money however you can in a bank account that is only in your name. Keep the bank information in a place where your partner can't find it. Don’t leave bank statements lying around so they can be found. Use a post office box, a friend's address, or your work address. You may not have any warning before being put in a situation where you need money fast. It won't be as scary if you are thinking ahead and have emergency money in place. Click HERE to see how to set up a bank account.

SILENCE IS YOUR ENEMY!!  

Part of creating a safe environment is bringing the problem of Domestic Violence "out of the dark and into the light". Your abuser wants to keep the secret, because if it’s a secret, no one can help. Tell people you feel comfortable confiding in. Don't be ashamed. It is not your fault. Your abuser has the problem and it's your abusers' fault.

EDUCATE YOURSELF!!  

Know where your local Police department, District Attorney's office, Judicial Building, Sheriff's office, and emergency room is located. Know where the nearest payphone is and keep change handy so you can use it. Know who your neighbors are and which ones, if any, will help you if you need it. Teach your children how to use 911 and how to tell the dispatchers what is happening if you are involved in a violent incident. Planning ahead and educating yourself is something that can never be taken away from you no matter how hard your abuser tries. Get a SAFETY PLAN and review it as often as you need to so in a violent incident your instincts to stay safe will take over.

Look over our F.A.Q. page for answers to frequently asked questions.

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