Last updated: May 20, 2026
Bottom line
If you are a single mother in Tennessee dealing with abuse, threats, stalking, sexual assault, or control at home, start with a real domestic violence advocate, not a random grant list. An advocate can help you talk through shelter, safety, court, housing, benefits, child care, and legal next steps without making promises that may not fit your case.
For immediate help, call the Tennessee Statewide Domestic Violence Helpline at 1-800-356-6767. The Tennessee helpline is listed as a 24/7 referral and counseling line. You can also use the National Hotline by phone, text, or chat.
This guide is general information only. It is not legal advice, safety-plan advice, medical advice, or a promise that any program will approve you. When it is safe, work with a domestic violence program, legal aid office, court clerk, medical provider, or public benefits office.
If you need help right now
If you or your children are in immediate danger, call 911. If calling is not safe, text 911 only if text-to-911 works in your area. Keep the message short and include your location. If texting is not available, you may receive a bounce-back message telling you to call.
| Need | Start here | What to ask for |
|---|---|---|
| Danger now | 911 | Police, fire, ambulance, or emergency help for you and your children |
| Domestic violence help | 1-800-356-6767 | Safety planning, shelter referral, local advocate, or next safe step |
| Sexual assault help | 1-866-811-7473 | Rape crisis support, exam location, advocate, or counseling referral |
| Child abuse report | 1-877-237-0004 | Report suspected abuse or neglect through the DCS hotline |
| Food, rent, utilities | 211 | Local emergency aid, shelters, food pantries, utility help, or transportation |
If phone or internet use may be watched, use the safest contact method available to you. The national hotline has safety information on using phones, computers, and chat.
Where to start in Tennessee
When many problems are happening at once, do not start with ten offices. Pick the safest first step.
If you may need to leave
Call the Tennessee domestic violence helpline or use the local program list from the Tennessee Coalition to find shelter and advocacy near you.
If you need court protection
Ask a court clerk, legal aid office, or Family Justice Center about an Order of Protection. Tennessee court forms are posted by the state courts for official forms.
If rent is unsafe
Ask a domestic violence advocate or legal aid office before moving, breaking a lease, or signing new papers. Housing rules can depend on the lease, documents, and whether the housing is federally assisted.
If money is blocked
Apply for food, cash, child care, and child support through state offices, but tell the office if contact with the other parent may be unsafe.
ASMOM also has a national domestic violence hub and a broader Tennessee help page if you need food, housing, health coverage, or bills help too.
Find local domestic violence advocates
A local advocate can help with safer options before you call a landlord, court, school, benefits office, or police non-emergency line. Tennessee has local domestic violence and sexual assault programs across the state. The Tennessee Coalition lists programs by region and also lists statewide hotlines.
Family Justice Centers bring several services into one place. The Tennessee Office of Criminal Justice Programs describes a Family Justice Center as a coordinated location for victims of family violence, sexual assault, elder abuse, and related crimes.
| Area | Resource | Useful for |
|---|---|---|
| Statewide | Tennessee Coalition map | Finding a local shelter, advocate, sexual assault program, or hotline |
| Nashville | Family Safety Center | Walk-in advocacy, orders, counseling, shelter and housing referrals |
| Chattanooga | Chattanooga FJC | Survivor services, counseling links, advocacy, and local referrals |
| Upper Cumberland | Upper Cumberland FJC | Orders, advocacy, civil legal help, shelter access, public benefits help |
| Memphis/Shelby | YWCA Memphis | 24-hour domestic violence crisis line and shelter services |
| Shelby County | Crime Victims Center | Crime victim advocacy, rape crisis services, and court-related support |
Tip
Call first if showing up could put you at risk. Some offices have walk-in hours, but services, hours, and safe entrances can change.
Protection orders in Tennessee
An Order of Protection is a civil court order that may tell an abusive person not to contact you, come near you, harm you, or threaten you. It may also include temporary terms about children, housing, pets, or other safety issues. What the court can order depends on your facts and Tennessee law.
You can start with the court clerk, a Family Justice Center, a local domestic violence advocate, or legal aid. The Help4TN order page explains the process in plain language and points to statewide forms. Court forms from the Tennessee Administrative Office of the Courts can be used in any county.
Tennessee law allows a court to issue a temporary ex parte order when there is an immediate and present danger. A hearing must be held within 15 days after service of that temporary order. Tennessee law also says domestic abuse, stalking, and sexual assault victims do not have to bear costs tied to filing, service, registration, appeal, or enforcement of these orders.
| Step | Where to ask | Reality check |
|---|---|---|
| Ask about filing | County court clerk, advocate, or Family Justice Center | Forms must be clear and honest. Ask for help if you are unsure. |
| Temporary order | Judge reviews the petition | Temporary protection is not guaranteed. It depends on what the judge finds. |
| Service | Law enforcement or court process | The other person usually must be served before the full hearing can move forward. |
| Full hearing | Court listed on your papers | Bring evidence and witnesses if you have them. Ask legal aid about help. |
| If violated | 911 or law enforcement | Keep a copy of the order with you if safe, and report violations. |
For the law text, you can review the Tennessee statutes on hearing timing and filing costs. Use a lawyer or legal aid office for advice on your case.
Keeping your address private
Tennessee has a Safe at Home Address Confidentiality Program through the Secretary of State. It can give approved participants a substitute address for many public records and government uses. It is meant for people affected by domestic abuse, stalking, human trafficking, rape, sexual battery, or other sexual offenses.
You do not usually apply alone. The Safe at Home program uses trained application assistants. A local domestic violence advocate or Family Justice Center can help you find one.
Watch out
Address confidentiality is helpful, but it is not the same as a secret location or police protection. Ask an advocate how to handle school records, court papers, driver license records, mail, utility accounts, benefits mail, and online accounts.
Housing, shelter, and staying housed
If you need a place to stay tonight, start with a domestic violence advocate or 211. The TN 211 help line can point people to local services, including food, shelter, rent help, and other needs. Hours can vary by location.
If you are in federally assisted housing, the Violence Against Women Act may protect you from being denied housing, evicted, or losing assistance because you experienced domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking. HUD posts VAWA housing rights and model forms for emergency transfer requests.
Tennessee law may also let certain victims end a residential lease early with written notice and required documents. Do not rely on a short summary before you move. Read the lease law and talk with legal aid or an advocate about what papers you need and what rent may still be owed.
For shelter, low-rent apartments, vouchers, and local homelessness services, the Tennessee housing search site has an emergency housing page. Most rental help is local, limited, and may have waitlists.
ASMOM has more detail on rent help, housing help, and Section 8 vouchers before you apply.
Money, food, child care, and benefits
Leaving abuse can affect food, transportation, child care, mail, bank access, school schedules, and work. Tennessee help is usually a mix of benefits and local support, not one large grant.
Families First cash help
Families First is Tennessee’s TANF program. It can include temporary cash assistance, work or training supports, transportation help, child care assistance, and other supports. DHS says participants must meet technical and financial rules and follow a Personal Responsibility Plan unless exempt.
If abuse makes appointments, work activities, child support cooperation, or mail unsafe, tell DHS and ask what good cause, exemption, or safe-contact option may apply. You can read more ASMOM guidance on TANF help before you apply.
SNAP food help
Tennessee SNAP is managed by the Department of Human Services. SNAP is based on household rules, income, resources, and deductions. If you are no longer buying and preparing food with the abusive person, say that clearly when you apply.
Ask about expedited SNAP if you have very little food or money. Keep proof of rent, utilities, income, child care costs, and identity if you have it. See ASMOM’s SNAP help for a broader guide.
Child care help
Tennessee’s child care assistance can help eligible families pay for care so a parent can work, attend school, or join approved training. Programs include Smart Steps, teen parent care, transitional child care, and referral-based care. Applications are not reviewed until required documents are submitted.
If your child care plan changed because of abuse, ask DHS, a domestic violence advocate, or your child’s school what proof is needed. ASMOM also has a separate child care help guide.
Apply or manage benefits
The One DHS portal is the state online place to apply for or manage several DHS services, including SNAP, Families First, Child Care Services, and Child Support. If online access is unsafe or hard, ask about a local office or safer contact method.
Legal, child support, and medical help
Domestic violence often touches legal issues beyond an Order of Protection. You may need help with custody, divorce, child support, school safety, housing, benefits, or immigration-sensitive questions. Use a legal aid office or licensed lawyer for advice.
The Tennessee Department of Human Services lists legal aid contacts for people who cannot pay for a lawyer. Legal Aid of East Tennessee serves many East Tennessee counties and says it helps victims of domestic violence with civil legal needs. Memphis Area Legal Services says it may help victims who need an Order of Protection or divorce involving recent domestic violence.
Child support can help with long-term stability, but it can also raise safety issues when the other parent is abusive. Tennessee’s child support program can locate parents, establish paternity, establish and enforce support, and modify orders. Before you give contact information or start a case, ask a domestic violence advocate or legal aid office about safety concerns.
For medical coverage, start with TennCare, CoverKids, a local clinic, or a hospital social worker. If you have been sexually assaulted, Tennessee’s SAFE program says facilities must bill the fund for sexual assault forensic exams, not the victim, and cannot seek extra payment from the victim after payment by the fund.
The Tennessee Criminal Injuries Compensation program may help eligible victims with certain crime-related medical bills, counseling, lost wages, moving expenses, funeral costs, and other covered costs. The program is a payer of last resort. Treasury lists a two-year claim filing rule, a 15-day reporting rule unless an exception applies, and a current maximum compensation amount of $34,100 for crimes on or after July 1, 2025.
Documents and information to gather if safe
Do not risk your safety to collect papers. If you cannot get something, tell the advocate or agency what happened. Many offices can explain backup proof options.
| Need | Helpful items | If you do not have it |
|---|---|---|
| Identity | Driver license, state ID, birth certificates, Social Security cards | Ask about replacement documents and safe mailing options |
| Court | Police reports, photos, messages, call logs, witness names, medical records | Ask an advocate what else may help your petition |
| Housing | Lease, eviction notice, voucher papers, landlord letters, utility bills | Ask legal aid before signing or moving |
| Benefits | Pay stubs, rent, utilities, child care costs, school or work schedule | Apply anyway and upload proof later if DHS allows |
| Children | School records, custody orders, medical cards, medicine list | Ask school staff or doctors for copies if safe |
Common mistakes to avoid
- Do not assume a shelter has space without calling first.
- Do not ignore court hearing dates. A temporary order can end if you miss court.
- Do not rely on a landlord’s verbal promise about a lease. Ask for legal help before you move or sign.
- Do not give unsafe mailing addresses to benefits, court, school, or child support offices without asking about privacy options.
- Do not wait to ask for food or child care help because you think you need every document first.
If you are denied, delayed, or ignored
If a public benefit is denied or delayed, ask for the decision in writing and the appeal deadline. If a landlord, housing authority, or benefits office says domestic violence does not matter, ask legal aid before accepting that answer.
Use emergency help for short-term food, shelter, or utility options. For local charities and churches, the Tennessee community support guide may help. If you need basic items after leaving, check the Tennessee furniture help page.
For civil legal problems, start with ASMOM’s legal help guide, but use Tennessee legal aid or a lawyer for advice about your case.
Phone scripts you can use
Calling the domestic violence helpline
“I am in Tennessee and I need to talk safely. I have children with me. I need help with shelter, an advocate, and what to do next. Can you tell me the safest local option?”
Calling the court clerk or advocate
“I need information about filing for an Order of Protection. I am not asking for legal advice from the clerk. Can you tell me where to get the forms, whether advocates are available, and what hours I can file?”
Calling DHS about benefits
“I am applying for SNAP, Families First, or child care. Domestic violence affects my mail, appointments, and contact with the other parent. What safe-contact options or good-cause steps should I ask about?”
Calling legal aid
“I am a survivor of domestic violence and need help with an Order of Protection, housing, custody, child support, or benefits. I have a deadline or court date on [date]. What intake step should I take today?”
Read next if you need more help
- Tennessee TANF page for Families First details.
- Tennessee SNAP page for food help steps.
- help organizations for national and local support ideas.
Resumen en español
Si usted o sus hijos están en peligro inmediato en Tennessee, llame al 911. Para ayuda por violencia doméstica, llame a la línea estatal al 1-800-356-6767. También puede llamar, chatear o enviar texto a la Línea Nacional de Violencia Doméstica.
Un programa local de violencia doméstica puede ayudarle a buscar refugio, una orden de protección, ayuda legal, beneficios, comida, cuidado infantil y opciones de vivienda. Si su dirección, correo, teléfono o contacto con el otro padre no son seguros, dígalo al programa o a la oficina antes de dar información.
Esta guía es información general. No es consejo legal, médico, de seguridad o de beneficios. Confirme los pasos con un defensor, abogado, corte, agencia oficial o proveedor médico.
Questions single mothers ask in Tennessee
What number should I call for domestic violence help in Tennessee?
Call the Tennessee Statewide Domestic Violence Helpline at 1-800-356-6767. If you are in immediate danger, call 911 first.
Can I get an Order of Protection without paying court fees?
Tennessee law says domestic abuse, stalking, and sexual assault victims do not have to bear costs tied to filing, service, registration, appeal, or enforcement of an Order of Protection or ex parte order.
Can I leave my lease because of domestic violence?
Tennessee law may allow certain victims of domestic abuse, sexual assault, or stalking to end a residential lease early with written notice and required proof. Talk with legal aid before you rely on this rule.
Can I apply for SNAP if I left the abuser?
Yes, you can apply. Tell DHS who is now buying and preparing food together. If you have little food or money, ask whether expedited SNAP applies.
Will child support put my safety at risk?
It can in some cases. Before starting or changing a child support case, ask a domestic violence advocate, legal aid office, or DHS child support staff about safety options and good cause.
Are sexual assault forensic exams free in Tennessee?
Tennessee’s SAFE program says facilities that perform sexual assault forensic exams must bill the fund, not the victim, and cannot seek extra payment from the victim after payment by the fund.
About this guide
This guide uses official federal, state, local, and other high-trust nonprofit and community sources mentioned in the article.
A Single Mother is independent and is not a government agency, benefits office, lender, law firm, medical provider, or tax advisor.
Program rules, funding, local availability, and eligibility can change. Always confirm details with the official program before you apply or make decisions.
Verification: Last verified May 20, 2026, next review August 20, 2026.
Corrections: If you see something wrong or outdated, email suggestions@asinglemother.org.
Disclaimer: This article is for general information only. It is not legal, financial, medical, tax, immigration, disability, safety, or government-agency advice.