User Name
Sevierville, TN
I contacted this place several times due to an abusive partner, I kept ending up in the hospital fighting for my life. Every time I called, they acted like I had to jump through hoops to speak with the actual woman who makes decisions on who can come stay. I had to speak with other people before I could even get the ok to speak to her and every time I called they all turned me away. The one woman even told me that physical abuse was the only form of abuse. I couldn't believe the level of incompetency here and how they could put my life at risk without a care. When I got out of the hospital, I met with a social worker who was so shocked I was refused help that she called them herself and again I was turned away. Also they told us that they only allow women to stay for two weeks max so within two weeks if you haven't found a job, a place to live, you are kicked out of their shelter. Finding an apartment in Sevierville is extremely hard to do. People live in their cars here because there aren't any apartments and the ones that do pop up are grossly overpriced. There is just no avenue here for abused women to get out. Even when the cops showed up, they didn't arrest him and I assume its because he is a cop. They all look out for one another. The one cop told me he got me a place to stay at this shelter, (Safe Space), and to just call and tell them who I was and they were waiting for me and that was the biggest lie. I called this place while in the hospital once I got stabilized and they said there was no record anywhere that I was to call and had a guaranteed room. Because I was repeatedly turned away, I was forced to live with him and was subjected to more abuse that landed me in the hospital several times. Ive been to the hospital several times thanks to him and every time I am hoping this will be my day to freedom but nope, Safe Space could care less about my health and well being. Every other shelter in this country is always full. Nobody holds spots for you. Many of them turn you away for being out of state. There are no other social services in this town. This place should be investigated for their failure to help women in need. The last time I was in the car with him he threatened to drive it onto oncoming traffic and just "end it all", then he proceeded to keep me hostage in the car, refusing to let me get out while he drove at a high rate of speed for an hour. Are you listening Safe Space? He threatened murder/suicide!! I could have been safe in your shelter and not subjected to almost losing my life. WTH are you doing turning women away??
