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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.

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This is Part 4 of our conversation about domestic violence with Heather Herrmann, Heather Herrmann is the Director of Education for the Metro Nashville Office of Family Safety, with over 18 years of experience in mission-driven nonprofits.

In this episode, host Dean Hinton and Heather cover two very important topics.

First, they talk about resources outside of Nashville. If you do not live in Nashville, help is still available. Heather shares where you can find support in other parts of Middle Tennessee and the Cumberlands.

Second, they talk about how to prepare to leave an abusive relationship. Leaving can be scary. It can also be dangerous. That is why having a plan matters. Dean and Heather walk through simple, practical steps you can take to help keep yourself and your children safe when you are ready to go.

If you missed Parts 1, 2, or 3, we recommend starting from the beginning. But you can also start here.

You do not have to figure this out alone. Help is closer than you think.

If you are in danger right now, call 911. For local support, contact the Nashville Office of Family Safety or call Legal Aid at 1-800-238-1443.

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This is Part 3 of our conversation about domestic violence with Heather Herrmann, Director of Strategic Learning & Development at Metro Nashville's Office of Family Safety with more than 18 years of experience in the domestic violence field.

In this episode, host Dean Hinton and Heather talk about three important things that can help keep you and your family safe.

First, they explain what a safety assessment is. A safety assessment is a series of questions that helps figure out how much danger someone may be in. It is a tool to help you get the right kind of help.

Next, they talk about Family Safety Centers. A Family Safety Center is a place where you can get many kinds of help all in one location. You can talk to advocates, lawyers, and other support staff — all in one visit.

Finally, they share resources that are available right now in Middle Tennessee. Whether you are in a dangerous situation or just want to learn more, there is help out there.

If you missed Parts 1 and 2, we recommend starting from the beginning. But you can also start here.

You are not alone. Help is available.

If you are in danger right now, call 911. For local support, contact the Nashville Office of Family Safety or call Legal Aid at 1-800-238-1443.

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Host Dean Hinton continues a discussion of domestic violence with advocate Heather Herrmann by covering physical abuse, sexual violence, and pointing out warning signs of an abuser.

Heather is the Director of Strategic Learning & Development at Metro Nashville's Office of Family Safety with more than 18 years of experience in the domestic violence field.

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In our first domestic violence episode, host Dean Hinton, an attorney at Legal Aid Society, sits down with Heather Herrmann, Director of Strategic Learning & Development at the Metro Nashville Office of Family Safety. Heather explains what domestic violence is, how to spot the warning signs, and what you can do if you or someone you know needs help.

Dean and Heather also talk about your legal rights. If you are in an unsafe situation, Legal Aid may be able to help — for free.

This episode is for anyone who wants to better understand domestic violence, or who may be going through a hard time at home. You are not alone. Help is available.

If you are in danger right now, call 911. For local support, contact the Nashville Office of Family Safety or call Legal Aid at 1-800-238-1443.

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DarKenya finishes her discussion about Legal Aid by overcoming myths and misconceptions as well as revealing the future of our firm.