🎻 Tennessee Victim Rights & Resources
If you are a survivor of abuse, crime, or professional misconduct in Tennessee, this guide offers the support and direction you need to understand your legal rights, report wrongdoing, and access compensation and VOCA-funded services.
⛔️ This guide is not a substitute for legal advice. If you are in immediate danger, call 911 or reach out to a crisis hotline listed on our Support and Help page. While we strive to provide accurate, current information, laws and agency procedures may change. Always verify details directly with official sources or consult a licensed attorney in your area.
📜 Your Rights Under Tennessee Law
Under the Tennessee Constitution and Crime Victims’ Bill of Rights, you have the right to:
- Be treated with fairness, dignity, and respect
- Be informed of proceedings and the release of the accused
- Be heard during key stages like plea and sentencing
- Confer with prosecutors and request restitution
- Be protected from threats, intimidation, or harassment
🔗 Tennessee Crime Victim Rights – TN District Attorneys General Conference 🔗 Tennessee Constitution – Article I, Section 35
📂 Public Records & Documentation
You may request:
- Police reports, incident summaries, and body cam footage (when applicable)
- Court filings, sentencing records, and parole board decisions
💡 Use Tennessee’s Open Records Act to submit requests. Make your request in writing and retain all documentation.
🏥 Requesting Medical Records
You can request:
- Your own medical records
- Records for a child or deceased loved one (if legally authorized)
🔗 How to File a HIPAA Complaint – HHS.gov
🧑⚕️ Reporting Licensed Healthcare Providers
Tennessee Department of Health – Health-Related Boards:
https://www.tn.gov/health/health-program-areas/health-professional-boards.html
TN Board of Medical Examiners / Nursing / Counseling:
https://apps.health.tn.gov/ComplaintsOnline
Tennessee Department of Health – Facility Complaints:
https://www.tn.gov/health/health-program-areas/facility-licensure.html
⚠️ Always document complaint submissions and save confirmation emails or receipt numbers.
💰 Victim Compensation in Tennessee
The Tennessee Criminal Injuries Compensation Program provides reimbursement for crime-related out-of-pocket expenses.
Eligible expenses may include:
- Medical, mental health, and dental treatment
- Funeral and burial expenses
- Lost wages or support
- Relocation and home safety measures
Eligibility Requirements:
- Report the crime within 48 hours (exceptions apply)
- File a claim within 1 year (extensions for good cause)
- Cooperate with law enforcement and prosecution
🔗 Tennessee Criminal Injuries Compensation Program 📞 Phone: (615) 741-2734 or 1-866-960-4993
🤝 VOCA-Funded Services in Tennessee
VOCA services are administered by the Tennessee Office of Criminal Justice Programs (OCJP).
🔗 Tennessee VOCA Programs 📞 General Info: (615) 253-4809
No matter your story, you have rights. The Novel Advocate is here to make sure you’re seen, supported, and empowered every step of the way.
🎻 From mountain hollows to Memphis streets, Tennessee survivors — your voice strikes a chord that demands justice.
