A Community of Support Under One Roof
Empowering survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault to break the cycle of abuse

Join us! Your support means the world. 

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[…]

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Volunteer Opportunities

We are currently looking for volunteers. Would you like to help?

LET US KNOW

Our 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

Let’s Talk

Branch House Family Justice Center is open Monday – Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m, excluding holidays. For after-hours assistance call our 24/7 hotline at (423)574-7233. If you are in immediate danger dial 911.

Address:

313 Foothills Drive
Blountville, TN 37617

Phone:

423-574-7233

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