Knox County Sheriff - Sheriff J.J. Jones
Family Crisis Unit
The Family Crisis Unit investigates, provides immediate safety crisis counseling information and referral, and support to victims of Domestic Violence, Child Abuse and Elder Abuse. The unit demonstrates the department’s emphasis on prosecuting the offenders and offering support to the victims. The Family Crisis Unit was established in 1995. Since then this unit has assisted over 200,000 Knox County residents.
The Family Crisis Unit collaborates with both public and private sectors within the community. the District Attorney General’s Office, KPD, Adult Protective Services and Department of Children Services which provides legal, safety and awareness for victims of Domestic Violence, Elder Abuse and Child Abuse. The Family Crisis Unit is supervised by Lt. Jeanette Harris and includes 4 Detectives, 3 Victim Advocates, and a Case Manager.
The personnel assigned to this unit may be reached at (865) 215-6820 from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM Monday - Friday. After 4:30 PM you may call (865) 215-2243.
The Family Crisis Unit is located inside The Family Justice Center, which is located at 400 Harriet Tubman St. The city/county of Knoxville/Knox was awarded a $1,077,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Justice to create a Family Justice Center, which serves as a one-stop resource center for domestic violence victims and their children. The center, which began operation in May 2006, is supported by more than 60 partner agencies.
Remember Domestic Violence does not tend to end but escalates in both severity and frequency the longer a victim waits before taking action. There is help and information available for you to break the cycle of violence.
IF YOU ARE A VICTIM OF DOMESTIC ABUSE, YOU HAVE THE FOLLOWING RIGHTS:
1. You may file a criminal complaint with the district attorney general (DA).
2. You may request a protective order which may include the following:
a. An order preventing the abuser from committing another domestic abuse.
b. An order requiring the abuser to leave your household.
c. An order preventing the abuser from harassing you or contacting you for any reason.
d. An order giving you or the other parent custody of or visitation with your minor child or children.
e. An order requiring the abuser to pay money to support you and the minor children if the abuser
has a legal obligation to do so.
f. An order preventing the abuser from stalking you.
