History, Mission & Goals
The Domestic Violence Program of Rutherford County was started in 1986. The program started with a tiny, one room office, with only a desk and a phone, two salaries, and limited services funded by VOCA. In 1988, two safe houses and counseling services were added.
After 15 years of hard advocacy work, in 2003, the program was able to build a confidential, emergency, safe shelter – deemed the Bernard House. In 2007, Domestic Violence Program merged with Sexual Assault Services, becoming a dual program which today is known as Domestic Violence & Sexual Assault Center. Today our center specializes in a wide array of vital healing and protective services including 24/7 crisis support, emergency shelter, sexual assault advocacy including onsite medical exams, counseling, and legal/court advocacy to all current or past victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking free of charge.
Our center continues to grow and mold to fit the needs of our growing and changing community, to better assist the women, men, and children who find themselves in the crisis and critical situation of domestic and sexual violence.
Mission
At Domestic Violence & Sexual Assault Center our mission is simple: to PROTECT victims, PREVENT violence, and EMPOWER survivors.
We accomplish this by providing citizens of Rutherford County with the resources and assistance necessary to effectively deal with the personal, social, and legal implications of victimization by domestic violence and sexual assault.
Goals
Deliver quality crisis services to ensure the safety of our clients and to help them achieve improved social emotional wellbeing.
Educate the community about the incidence and causes of domestic violence and sexual assault, and increase awareness of the critical importance of the services we provide.
Increase and diversify financial support to sustain our mission.
Continue to build relationships with public and private organizations to achieve greater impact.
Develop and strengthen the organization’s capacity to fulfill our mission goals.
