Domestic Violence Overview

What is domestic violence?

Domestic violence is the willful intimidation, physical assault, battery, sexual assault, and/or other abusive behavior as part of a systematic pattern of power and control perpetrated by one intimate partner against another. It includes physical violence, sexual violence, threats, economic, and emotional/psychological abuse (National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, 2020).

How common is domestic violence in Tennessee?

Based on recent data from the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence (2020), 39.6% of Tennessee women and 36.8% of Tennessee men experience intimate partner physical violence, intimate partner rape and/or intimate partner stalking in their lifetimes. Domestic Violence is the leading cause of injury to women—more than car accidents, muggings, and rapes combined. AGAPE aims to empower victims to break the cycle of violence that controls their lives.

How many domestic violence shelters are in Nashville/Davidson County?

AGAPE is one of two shelters in the Nashville/Davidson County area.

In 2022:

Emergency Shelter

There is a Need...

Absolutely the most dangerous time for a female survivor of domestic violence is when she takes steps to end the abusive relationship. It is at this point that she is more likely to be harmed or even killed than at any other time during the relationship. The same may be said for a male domestic violence survivor.

Finding a safe and confidential place to live after leaving the abusive relationship can be very challenging, made even more formidable if children are involved.

During that time, residents are provided food, clothing, basic need items, transportation, information and referrals to community resources. We also help residents develop a safety plan, seek long-term housing, address and resolve legal issues, begin a job search and establish a strategy for achieving financial stability.

Having somewhere safe to hide from an abuser is CRUCIAL to survivors of domestic violence. Many times they leave quickly with their children, taking nothing more than the clothes on their backs in their desperate attempts to get away. Our emergency shelter provides them with an environment that helps them stay safe without the fear of injury or loss of life.

If you or someone you know needs help, you can call our confidential domestic violence hotline 24/7 at 615-860-0003.