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What We Do
Providing free services & support through partnership, collaboration & community
Branch House Family Justice Center provides assistance for meeting the immediate and long-term needs of survivors of abuse, regardless of gender, sexuality, age, income, or immigration status. On-site services include representatives from local agencies that have been specially trained to provide assistance to people who have experienced domestic and/or sexual violence.
What is a Family Justice Center
A multiagency, multidisciplinary center where public and private agencies provide services to victims of domestic and sexual violence and their families from one location.
A Family Justice Center provides one physical location
To reduce the number of places victims must visit to obtain all the help and the services they need to put an end to the violence
To reduce the number of times victims must tell their story
To foster collaboration and a common approach of the different agencies
To increase access to services and support for victims and their families.
Our Services
Information and Support
Counseling
Civil Legal Assistance
Court Advocacy
Orders of Protection
Safety Planning
Victim Compensation
Access to Emergency Shelter
Access to Emergency Pet Shelter
Housing – long and short term
Connections to resources such as food, clothing and transportation
Sexual Assault Forensic Examination
Consultation with law enforcement or prosecutor (if requested)
You Are Not Alone
The first priority in any situation involving domestic violence or sexual assault is to establish a safe and stable environment for the survivor. Physical and emotional pain can cloud judgment and make it difficult to know how to respond to these events and navigate complicated decisions involving housing, children, and legal processes. You do not have to handle these situations alone. If you have experienced domestic violence or sexual assault, it is imperative that you seek assistance immediately. Branch House is a haven for survivors and a place of compassionate support for the difficult decisions that follow domestic abuse or sexual assault. Clients are not required to file a police report or press criminal charges in order to receive services at Branch House, though Branch House staff must follow mandatory reporting guidelines for certain crimes such as child abuse.
Mission
Supporting and empowering survivors of domestic and sexual violence through service coordination, partner collaboration, and community education.
Vision
A community where everyone is safe at home.
Values
To provide coordinated services that are supportive, collaborative, confidential, and trauma informed.
What does Interpersonal Violence (IPV) look like?
Interpersonal Violence is violence which occurs within a relationship between individuals. It can take many different forms and look different across cultures, communities, and families. Everyone deserves safe, healthy, and loving relationships. If you find yourself in a dangerous or violent relationship, Branch House can help.
Sexual Assault Services
Branch House 24/7 Hotline 423-574-7233
To speak with a sexual assault advocate press 1
To arrange for a forensic exam press 2
We Believe You.
Sexual Assault Forensic Exams
The Branch House SANE (Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner) Program provides confidential, quality medical/forensic care to victims of sexual assault at no cost to the patient. To find out more about Branch House’s sexual assault services click the button above.
Victims’ Rights
Sexual assault survivors have rights. To find out more about Tennessee sexual assault laws, victims’ rights, and what to expect from a sexual assault exam, click the button above
SANE Training/Education
If you are an RN interested in receiving the education and training neccessary to work as a SANE, click the button above.
Branch House Family Justice Center
Board of Directors
Barry Staubus
Chair
Executive Committee
HR/Nominating Committee
Rhonda Helms
Vice Chair
Executive Committee
Operations/Marketing Committee
Sherri Feathers
Secretary
Executive Committee
HR/Nominating Committee
Christy Riddle
Treasurer
Executive Committee
Finance Committee Chair
Natalie Harris
HR/Nominating Committee Chair
Dale Phipps
HR/Nominating Committee
Bobby Russell
Finance Committee
Rebecca Beck
HR/Nominating Committee
Samuel Hiester
Operations/Marketing Committee Chair
Jeff Cassidy
Operations/Marketing Committee
Matt Austin
Operations/Marketing Committee
Tanya Vance
Operations/Marketing Committee
Hannah Taylor
Finance Committee
Branch House Staff
Lenee Hendrix
Executive Director
Lenee@branchhousetn.org
Brittany Fleenor
Coordinated Community Response Specialist
Brittany@branchhousetn.org
Emily Hite
Sexual Assault Response Team Coordinator
Emily@branchhousetn.org
Indya Scalf
Navigator
Indya@branchhousetn.org
Latest News
National Emergency Alert: At-Risk Users Should Protect Hidden Devices
𝐀𝐓𝐓𝐄𝐍𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍: On Wednesday 𝐎𝐜𝐭𝐨𝐛𝐞𝐫 𝟒𝐭𝐡, there will be a nationwide test emergency message sent to every smartphone around 2:20 PM Eastern Time (1:20 pm CT / 12:20 pm MT /[…]
Read more
Let’s CHALK About DV: Branch House Family Justice Center to Host Domestic Violence Awareness Sidewalk Art Event
October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, and Branch House Family Justice Center, along with their community partners, will be hosting a domestic violence awareness event titled, “Let’s CHALK About DV.”[…]
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Branch House and 2nd Judicial District Attorney General’s Office to Host 2023 Service & Protection Awards
The public is proudly invited to attend the Annual Service & Protection Awards, hosted by Branch House – Sullivan County Family Justice Center and the 2nd Judicial District Attorney General’s Office, on[…]
Read moreVolunteer Opportunities
We are currently looking for volunteers. Would you like to help?
LET US KNOWOur Partners
Thank you to our wonderful community partners, as you make all the difference!
Did you know?
Branch House provides trainings to businesses, agencies and organizations at no cost.
Community awareness and education is important to us. Branch House provides the following community education presentations: Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault, Implementation of Danger Assessments/Strangulation Assessments, Trauma Informed/Victim-Centered Care, Healthy Relationships, and Victims’ Rights.
REQUEST A TRAINING