I came to the Family Justice Center looking for help as a domestic violence survivor who is also dealing with an interstate custody crisis. Unfortunately, my experience has been extremely disappointing and has left me feeling even more unsupported during a time when I urgently needed advocacy. Despite multiple intakes, phone calls, and attempts to explain the seriousness of my situation — including ongoing threats, safety concerns, and the need for help preparing for a DV-related court hearing — I was never actually connected with a consistent advocate or attorney. I repeatedly had to retell my story, was often told to “call elsewhere,” and felt that the severity of what I was experiencing was minimized or treated like a low priority. Even after being told I qualified for help under VAWA, no meaningful assistance ever materialized. Meanwhile, the opposing party was able to obtain free counsel very quickly, while I am left preparing for a dangerous and complicated DVRO hearing completely alone. I do not have the resources to hire multiple private attorneys, and I relied on the Family Justice Center because they are advertised as the place where survivors can finally get real help. Instead, I felt like I fell through the cracks. I truly hope that the Center improves its follow-through, communication, and support for survivors who are navigating both domestic violence and child-custody matters. People seek out the Family Justice Center because they are scared, isolated, and trying to protect themselves and their children. Being sent in circles or told to try other agencies is not trauma-informed care and leaves victims feeling even more vulnerable. I am sharing this review not out of anger, but out of honesty. Survivors deserve systems that take them seriously, listen to them, and follow through on the services they say they provide.

If justice is only provided if your child’s abuse disclosures fit into a neat and tidy preformed DCS package that met all the right conditions from day one…that’s not justice. They should really change their name.

Very crooked cops in Knoxville. They broke my arm on purpose when I wasn't resisting arrest as they claimed. I called Internal Affairs to report the officer and they are ran by fellow KPD officers. They told me he did no wrong bc it was his buddies running it. That said I could come down and make a statement but if they find any descrepincies I would be charged for a false statement. They didn't try to help me. Just threatened me with charges if they found ANY descrepincies. Not helpful at all. The officer had been sued for excessive force before, but claimed qualified immunity and got off with busting a guys tooth out on purpose. They do what they want. The need to be investigated. They are rude and disrespectful for no reason at all. Don't waste your time here. They are all buddies and they all look after each other even when the officers are in the wrong.