NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — A safe haven for those who have suffered violence, abuse, assault, and trafficking at the hands of others has now been opened in Nashville.
Today, a ribbon-cutting ceremony took place at the new Family Safety Center. Mayor David Briley along with staff from the Metro Office of Family Safety and many partner agencies joined in the celebrating the opening.
The Family Safety Center, located at 610 Murfreesboro Pike, is the country's largest and most comprehensive Family Safety Center to date.
In detail, the center is specifically opening to assist victims and survivors or domestic violence, sexual assault, human trafficking, elder abuse and child abuse.
Those who wish to use the services offered by the Family Safety Center are free to visit without making an appointment and will receive free and confidential services.
Some of the services offered are counseling, shelter, legal services, along with additional kinds of support.
Additionally, it is important to know that even though law enforcement is playing a large role in in this initiative, victims can access services through the center whether or not they choose to pursue criminal prosecution of their offender.
"We look forward to assisting a large number of victims/survivors [...who] might normally be reluctant to seek help. It has never been easier for victims to receive the help they need for themselves and their children," said Metro Office Family Safety Department Head, Diane Lance.
When victims/survivors come to the center, they will go through a brief intake process with an advocate. The advocate will listen to them and access their needs in order to make a plan for connecting them to the services they are interested in getting.
The space also offers numerous accommodations for children as it is expected that many adults with being their kids with them when escaping a toxic home environment.
The Family Safety Center is open to the public Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
It can also be reached through public transit from bus route #15.
Victims can also call the center for more information at 615-880-1100.
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