Policy Watch: Tennessee’s Domestic Violence Offender Registry and Emerging Conversations in Alabama

Policy Watch: Tennessee’s Domestic Violence Offender Registry and Emerging Conversations in Alabama

Dear Friends,

At SafeHouse, we often talk about the importance of meeting survivors where they are. Our goal is to respond to immediate needs while also working toward long-term change that makes our communities safer. Right now, that work is happening on both fronts.

I am honored to share that I am serving on a newly formed policy committee with the Alabama Coalition Against Domestic Violence (ACADV). Made up of executive directors from DV agencies across the state, this group works to examine how Alabama’s laws and systems can better support victims, survivors, and prevention efforts in the years ahead.

As part of these discussions, we are closely watching developments beyond our state lines. On January 1, Tennessee became the first state in the nation to implement a public registry for repeat domestic violence offenders. Created under Savanna’s Law, the registry applies to individuals convicted of domestic violence offenses two or more times. It is intended as a prevention tool to make patterns of abuse more visible before another tragedy occurs.

The law is named in memory of Savanna Puckett, a young sheriff’s deputy whose life was taken by a former partner with a documented history of domestic violence and stalking. At the time of her death, this information was not easily accessible. Supporters of the registry emphasize that its purpose is not punishment, but prevention. It will also serve to track domestic violence patterns across the state.

Within ACADV’s policy council, we are discussing whether similar legislation could (and should) be explored in Alabama. We keep survivor safety and privacy and unintended consequences at the forefront of the conversation.

Alabama’s council is also examining other critical policy priorities, including the need for consistent, statewide training requirements for law enforcement on domestic violence and coercive control. We know that the first response a survivor receives has a big impact. It can make a profound difference in a survivor’s safety, their willingness to seek help, and the outcomes that follow.

Another urgent area of focus is housing stability. While some protections exist for survivors living in government-subsidized housing, many victims remain in unsafe situations because they are stuck or trapped. The council is exploring ways to extend housing protections more broadly. No survivor should have to choose between safety and shelter.

We are grateful for your continued support as we do this work together. Advocacy, services, and prevention are deeply connected, and progress happens when communities insist on systems that protect people before violence becomes fatal.

With gratitude,

Janelle Sierra
Executive Director
SafeHouse