A non-profit specializing in supportive services for survivors of domestic and sexual violence
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.
10/18/2025
Please enjoy these donuts for a good cause. We will never forget Judi.
Help us spread the word and share this post!!💜
In honor of Judi, we are donating 10% of ALL sales on Monday, October 20th & Tuesday, October 21st 💜 Please share this post to help us spread the word!
October is Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Awareness Month. Supporting our local Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Center is very important to us as this is our way of continuing to honor the memory of Judi.
Please spread the word and help us in raising awareness. Visit https://dvsacenter.org/ or follow to learn more about their mission.
10/17/2025
We want to extend our deepest gratitude to everyone who joined us at Hope & Hops last night. Your presence made a direct and meaningful impact in the life of a survivor of domestic violence, and we hope you enjoyed an evening filled with camaraderie and purpose.
While we await the final numbers, we’re already encouraged by the generosity shown. Your support fuels our mission—and we truly couldn’t do this work without you.
Thank you for standing with us.
10/16/2025
Today we wear purple! Purple Thursday is a national day of action where individuals across the country wear purple to raise awareness about domestic violence, honor survivors, and promote prevention.
The color purple represents peace, courage, survival and hope - core values in the fight to end domestic violence.
By participating in Purple Thursday, communities show solidarity with survivors and help spark vital conversations about support, safety, and change.
10/11/2025
Our Child Welfare/Domestic Violence Liaison, Ebonie, shares best practices for building trust and communication between DCS staff and domestic violence advocates to ensure families receive holistic, compassionate support. We strive to equip new DCS hires with the knowledge and tools to recognize and respond to domestic violence, understand its impact on children, and collaborate effectively to promote safety and healing in families.
10/10/2025
Please help us honor Judi’s memory.
Mark your Calendars! ✔️💜
In honor of Judi, we are donating 10% of ALL sales on Monday, October 20th & Tuesday, October 21st 💜 Please share this post to help us spread the word!
October is Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Awareness Month. Supporting our local Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Center is very important to us as this is our way of continuing to honor the memory of Judi.
Please spread the word and help us in raising awareness. Visit https://dvsacenter.org/ or follow to learn more about their mission.
10/08/2025
As we honor Domestic Violence Awareness Month, we are so thankful for our community partners. Thank you to Newcomer's Club for their donation to support our mission to protect victims, prevent violence, and empower survivors.
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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.