Domestic Violence

In 2002 when Mike Neal took over as Sheriff of Rhea County he immediately restructured his existing officers for a more efficient department, in his restructuring he placed Rocky Potter as Rhea Counties first ever Family Violence Investigator.  This role consists of investigating cries of domestic violence, child abuse and elder abuse.  This being his sole responsibility we have formed a Family Violence Task Force which is a joining of Department of Children Services, Human Services, Avalon Caster, and our Court System.  To better assist the victims of these crimes which in the past may have fell thru the cracks.  Now they are a focal point in our system to help victims with the emotional trauma, distress and escalation of family violence in Rhea County.  We have developed a home study program which allows Potter to visit a home or workplace unannounced once or twice a month for six months to speak with victims of domestic violence who have decided after an assault would like to give their partner a second chance to keep their family together.  A file is kept on these home studies logging any comments or incidents that occur during this home study period.  At the end of six months the results are given to the judge for determination.  Rhea County is the only county in Tennessee with this program.  To monitor escalating violence in our County a written report is filed with Potter on every verbal domestic call, after families have 2-3 written verbal reports on file Potter will visit the residence and offer counseling with the CHAPS Program, "Changing Home Abuse Patterns", this program deals with anger management and stress issues to try and stop an assault before it happens in a home where there are problems.  Rhea County Sheriff's Department Family Court Judge James McKenzie and our district attorney's office have formed a strong stance against domestic violence in our county, a stance we are proud of.  If our programs does not help the problem or if the victim feels she can no longer stay in this environment and needs a way out Potter can assist them along with the Avalon Caster in a way out of the abuse and also in seeking a protection order from the courts.  To aid victims of child and elder abuse Potter meets monthly at the D.A.'s office with Children Services and Human Services to go over every reported case of abuse that comes thru the 1-800 hotline in Nashville that occurs in Rhea County.  Potter meets weekly with DCS on a  one on one basis to assist case workers on a clearing cases or getting them ready for prosecution.  Our Family Violence Task Force in Rhea County is strong, but only made possible by caring road officers who answer these calls daily, make reports and get this information into the network.  You as a citizen can be a crucial part of our network, if you know of domestic violence, child or elder abuse of a friend or family member, report it at these numbers.

Investigator Rocky Potter - Voice Mail At 775-7832

Child Abuse Hotline 1-877-237-0004

Elder Abuse Hotline 1-888-277-8366

Avalon (Formlery Battered Womens) 570-9935