A non-profit specializing in supportive services for survivors of domestic and sexual violence
12/01/2025
Giving Tuesday is December 2nd.
Survivors of sexual violence face an increased risk of depression, PTSD, and suicidal behaviors. Trauma recovery and counseling are not optional—they are life-saving.
This Giving Tuesday, you can be the reason a survivor finds hope.
Scan the code to give today!
11/27/2025
Our office will be closed on Thursday, November 27th and Friday, November 28th in observance of Thanksgiving.
💜 Please remember: our crisis lines remain available 24/7 to support survivors.
Domestic Violence: 615-896-2012
Sexual Assault: 615-494-9262
As we enter this season of gratitude, we are deeply thankful for the unwavering support our community provides year-round. The resilience of survivors inspires us every day, and we remain committed to standing beside you.
11/26/2025
Giving Tuesday is just one week away! Every gift is life-saving for a survivor of domestic or sexual violence.
💜 Will you be the spark that ignites hope and healing?
💜 Will you be the reason someone finds the courage to leave a dangerous situation? 💜 Will you stand with survivors to honor their resilience, their strength, and their choice?
It takes all of us—standing in solidarity, believing survivors, and shattering the silence. Scan the QR code today and be part of the movement.
11/21/2025
We extend our deepest gratitude to Modern Woodmen of America and North Rutherford YMCA Ronald Reagan Family Center for their generous donation in honor of Angi Ross Lambert and Carla Dillard, whose lives were tragically taken by domestic violence.
Their memory reminds us of the importance of standing together. It takes all of us—neighbors, organizations, and community partners—to support survivors and to work toward a future free from violence. We will always remember Angi and Carla, and we honor their legacy by continuing to build a safer, more compassionate community.
11/15/2025
🎄 Make a Child’s Christmas Magical! 🎁
Are you looking to make a meaningful impact this holiday season? Join us in bringing joy to the children at Bernard House, our shelter for families in need.
We’re seeking Christmas sponsors to help make the season bright. Each sponsor is asked to spend $150 on gifts for an assigned child.
📝 Gift wish lists will be distributed the first week of December
📦 Gifts are due back to our public office by December 19th
Your generosity can light up a child’s world this Christmas. For more information or to become a sponsor, please contact Ericka at ericka@dvsacenter.org
Thank you for helping us spread love and hope this holiday season! 💖
11/11/2025
In observance of Veteran's Day, our offices will be closed on Tuesday, November 11th, 2025.
We extend our deepest gratitude to all who have served in the armed forces. Your courage, sacrifice, and dedication to protecting our freedoms will never be forgotten.
Crisis Support Remains Available 24/7 If you or someone you know needs immediate assistance, our crisis lines are always open:
Domestic Violence Crisis Line: 615-896-2012
Sexual Assault Crisis Line: 615-494-9262
Thank you for your service. We honor you today and every day.
11/10/2025
This weekend, our board members showed what true leadership looks like—by rolling up their sleeves and getting to work. With safety and security top of mind, they put in some serious manual labor at Bernard House, proving they’re not afraid to get their hands dirty for a cause that matters.
Thank you for your sweat equity and your unwavering commitment to the life of a survivor. Your actions speak volumes.
11/06/2025
We are so thankful to Donut Country () for their Give Back Days on October 20th and 21st, held in honor of Judi during Domestic Violence Awareness Month. 💜
As we take a moment to pause and honor all victims who have lost their lives to domestic violence, we are reminded of the importance of being bold in our mission — to protect victims, prevent violence, and empower survivors.
Together, we can make a difference. 💜
11/05/2025
Shoutout to Our Corporate Sponsor – The Cook & Boardman Group!
We are deeply grateful to The Cook & Boardman Group () for their generous support of our mission to serve survivors of domestic and sexual violence.
Established in 1955, The Cook & Boardman Group, LLC is the nation’s premier provider of architectural doors, frames, hardware, and building specialty products — along with complete systems integration services.
Thank you for standing with us and helping make a lasting difference in the lives of survivors. 💜
10/26/2025
We are deeply grateful to Phi Beta Sigma for their generous donation of essential goods to the Bernard House. These items will create a ripple effect of support for both current and future resident survivors, helping them rebuild with dignity and hope.
To our community—thank you for standing with us. Your continued support strengthens our mission and reminds our residents that they are never alone.
10/20/2025
Join DVSA Center’s Monthly Giving Program and make a lasting impact. Heroes of Hope is a one-of-a-kind initiative that empowers you to provide consistent, life-changing support to survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault.
Your monthly donation helps us cover the essential costs of services — from emergency shelter and counseling to legal advocacy and crisis intervention — without hesitation. This self-sustaining support ensures we can respond swiftly and compassionately whenever someone reaches out for help.
Setting up your monthly gift is easy. We offer automatic deductions through ACH-EFT transactions, so your generosity never skips a beat.
🌟 Be the reason someone finds safety, healing, and hope — every single month. Scan the QR to give.
10/19/2025
Thank You for Supporting the 2025 Hope & Hops Benefit Party for a Cause
Domestic violence thrives in silence. It's time to raise our voices.
We must continue the conversation—not just during Domestic Violence Awareness Month, but every day. By speaking out, we empower others to stand up, seek help, and become part of the solution.
Together, we can break the silence. Together, we can make a difference.
Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Domestic Violence & Sexual Assault Center posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.
Contact The Practice
Send a message to Domestic Violence & Sexual Assault Center:
The Domestic Violence Center of Rutherford County was started in 1986. Deborah Johnson was the program founder and served as the Executive Director for 30 years until 2016. The program started with a tiny, one room office, with 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 duel program that provided hospital accompaniment, counseling, and legal services to victims of sexual assault and stalking, in addition to domestic violence.
The organization continues to grow and mold to fit the needs of its 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.
STRATEGIC GOALS
CLIENT OUTCOMES: Deliver quality crisis services to ensure the safety of our clients and to help them achieve improved social emotional wellbeing.
EDUCATION & AWARENESS: 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.
SUSTAINABILITY: Increase and diversify financial support to sustain our mission.
STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIPS: Continue to build relationships with public and private organizations to achieve greater impact.
ORGANIZATION CAPACITY: Develop and strengthen the organization’s capacity to fulfill our mission goals.