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If someone is hurting you or making you feel unsafe, you may have heard the words "order of protection." But what does that actually mean? And how do you get one?

In this episode, host Dean Hinton sits down with Rebecca Toca, a former Legal Aid attorney who spent five and a half years representing survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault right here in Middle Tennessee. Before joining Legal Aid, Rebecca spent over seven years as a prosecutor in New York, where she worked in the Domestic Violence Bureau handling serious crimes. She knows this area of the law inside and out — and she knows how it affects real people.

Dean and Rebecca break down what an order of protection is, who can get one, and what the process looks like. They explain it in plain, simple language so you know what to expect every step of the way.

If you are thinking about getting an order of protection, or if you just want to understand your options, this episode is for you.

Legal Aid may be able to help you with an order of protection for free. Call us at 1-800-238-1443. If you are in danger right now, call 911.

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In our last episode, we introduced the Tennessee Safe at Home program. Today, we go deeper.

Host Dean Hinton continues his conversation with Stacy Scruggs, Program Coordinator for Tennessee's Safe at Home Address Confidentiality Program. In this episode, they tackle three questions that many people have about the program.

First, they talk about how to enroll if you live outside of a big city. If you are in a rural area, signing up for Safe at Home can feel harder. Stacy explains how people in smaller communities across Tennessee can still access the program and get the protection they need.

Second, they talk about co-parenting with Safe at Home. If you share children with an abusive partner, keeping your address private while still meeting your parenting responsibilities can be complicated. Stacy walks through how the program can help in those situations.

Third, they talk about enrolling other people in Safe at Home. Can you help a family member or friend sign up? Stacy explains who can be enrolled and how that process works.

If you missed Part 1, we recommend listening to Episode 5 first. But you can also start here.

You deserve to feel safe. And there are people ready to help.

To learn more about Safe at Home, visit sos.tn.gov or call Legal Aid at 1-800-238-1443. If you are in danger right now, call 911.

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Did you know that your home address could be found in public records? For someone trying to escape an abusive situation, that can be very dangerous.

In this episode, host Dean Hinton sits down with Stacy Scruggs, Program Coordinator for Tennessee's Safe at Home Address Confidentiality Program. Safe at Home is a free statewide program that gives victims of domestic violence, stalking, human trafficking, and sexual assault a confidential substitute address. That means your real address stays private — even when you sign up for school, apply for public benefits, or receive mail from the government.

Stacy explains who can apply, how the program works, and what it can and cannot do. She also shares how to get connected with the program no matter where you live in Tennessee.

Stacy has dedicated her career to helping victims of crime. In 2024, she was named a National Champion of Victims' Rights by Marsy's Law — a national honor that recognizes her outstanding work on behalf of people who have been through some of life's hardest moments.

If you are trying to stay safe and keep your address private, this episode is for you.

To learn more about Safe at Home, visit sos.tn.gov or call Legal Aid at 1-800-238-1443. If you are in danger right now, call 911.