Domestic-related calls are climbing in Knoxville this year, even as overall crime has dipped in the first quarter compared with 2025. Police and advocates say that split-screen trend means more households could be in danger just as warmer weather and holiday gatherings, both common flashpoints, start to stack the calendar. City agencies are trying to match enforcement with quick access to help, so survivors are not left to navigate the system alone.
About 43% of reported assaults so far this year have been domestic in nature, and aggravated assaults are up slightly, with 18 total incidents, according to reporting from WBIR, which cited Knoxville police. The station also reports that the department logged a sharp drop in overall first-quarter crime compared with 2025, even as domestic-related calls rose.
The Knoxville Police Department's "Get Domestic Violence Help" page lists local shelters, legal services, and support groups, and notes that the Special Crimes Unit handles family-violence cases. The department's domestic-violence resource page also provides a family-violence line at 865-215-6810 and a non-emergency number for residents who need assistance. Knoxville Police Department posts the full list of services and contacts.
Where To Turn
Survivors seeking immediate help can call the Knoxville Family Justice Center at 865-521-6336 or find coordinated services on its website. For confidential 24/7 support, the National Domestic Violence Hotline is available at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) and online at TheHotline.org. The Knoxville Family Justice Center serves as a local hub for survivors and works closely with police and legal-aid partners.
What Advocates Say
Marissa Fox, a victim advocate with the Knoxville Police Department, told reporters that "domestic violence cases often increase during the summer and around holidays," according to WBIR. Fox, who works directly with survivors, said that faster reporting and early outreach can connect people with shelters, counseling, and legal assistance before situations escalate further.
Officials remind anyone in immediate danger to call 911. For non-emergencies, residents can reach the Knoxville Police non-emergency line at 865-215-4010. City leaders and advocacy groups say they plan to ramp up outreach in the coming months while closely tracking the rise in domestic-related calls.
