Together we can make a difference!
The Sexual Assault Center (SAC) is working to create lasting change in Tennessee through education, advocacy, and survivor-centered policy reform. Our legislative advocacy focuses on ensuring state laws reflect a trauma-informed perspective that prioritizes the needs and rights of survivors of sexual violence. This is accomplished by mobilizing Tennesseans encouraging, survivor-centered action from lawmakers and by coaching survivors to share their stories with policymakers, ensuring their voices shape the policies that impact them.
How SAC Advocates for Change:
- Educating legislators about the realities of sexual violence, its impact on survivors, and the gaps that exist in current laws.
- Providing expert testimony and preparing survivors to share their stories directly with policymakers so their lived experiences shape legislation.
- Partnering and mobilizing Tennesseans through advocacy campaigns, outreach efforts, and events to demand action from lawmakers.
- Co-authoring legislation that directly addresses the barriers survivors face.
How Donations Support Advocacy Work:
- $1,000 supports expert witness preparation and testimony.
- $500 (or $50/month) funds a “Day on the Hill” advocacy event.
- $100 (or $10/month) provides legislator meeting (including coordination and preparation)
- $60 (or $5/month): creates Bill one pagers for lawmakers.
2026 Legislative Priorities:
- SB920: Rape Kit Access for Minors — This bill passed the House but failed in the Senate due to misinformation. SAC plans to reintroduce it in 2026 to clarify that parental consent is not required for forensic exams, a critical change since 1 in 3 child victims are harmed by a family member.
- Funding for a Statewide Sexual Assault Response Team (SART) Coordinator — While the bill passed unanimously, no funding was allocated. SAC will continue to push for it to be included in the state budget.
- Rape Kit Policy and Practice Oversight: SAC remains committed to monitoring and shaping policies related to forensic evidence. Specifically, we will continue tracking testing timelines, monitor backlogs and explore opportunities to expand testing of anonymous kits.
Ways to Support:
Community members can make an impact by donating online, by check, or through a Donor Advised Fund. Contributions directly support SAC’s ability to advocate for policy change, fund survivor-centered resources, and ensure that Tennessee laws reflect the needs and voices of those most affected by sexual violence.
For Donor Advised Funds donations, make checks payable to Sexual Assault Center and mail to 101 French Landing Drive, Nashville, TN 37228. Tax ID: 62-1043294
Act now to help change laws for survivors today.