Legislation should protect and empower survivors of domestic violence, not trap them in dangerous situations. Unfortunately, HB 315 – The Tennessee Covenant Marriage Act does just that. This bill, under the guise of strengthening marriage, imposes severe restrictions on divorce and mandates counseling, even for survivors of abuse—potentially forcing them into harmful interactions with their abusers.
Operation Safe Escape has formally urged the Tennessee House Children & Families Subcommittee to reject HB 315, highlighting how its provisions fail to account for coercion, financial abuse, and psychological control, which are common tactics used by abusers. The bill limits the definition of abuse to only physical and sexual violence, ignoring the broader reality of domestic abuse. Moreover, its restrictive divorce requirements would make it nearly impossible for many survivors to legally escape.
Survivors of intimate partner violence already face overwhelming barriers when trying to leave an abusive relationship. Adding more legal roadblocks, as HB 315 does, increases their risk of further harm, prolonged economic dependence, and even fatal violence. Restricting divorce and failing to recognize the complexities of abuse endangers lives.
We are calling on Tennessee legislators to reject HB 315 in its current form and instead focus on policies that provide real protection and pathways to safety for survivors. Lawmakers must ensure that any marriage-related legislation considers the realities of domestic violence, coercion, and financial control—not just physical harm.
To read our full letter to legislators, including specific concerns and recommendations, continue below. Survivors deserve safety, not more barriers.
Here is our letter:
Tennessee House Children & Families Subcommittee
Tennessee General Assembly
425 Rep. John Lewis Way N
Nashville, TN 37243
Subject: Serious Concerns Regarding HB 315 – The Tennessee Covenant Marriage Act
Dear Members of the Children & Families Subcommittee,
On behalf of Operation Safe Escape, a nonprofit organization dedicated to assisting survivors of intimate partner violence and human trafficking, I must write you today to convey our strong concerns regarding HB 315- the Tennessee Covenant Marriage Act. While the intent of this bill may be to strengthen the institution of marriage, its provisions would significantly endanger survivors of abuse and create unnecessary legal barriers to their safety and freedom.
First and foremost, requiring couples to undergo marriage counseling before seeking a divorce fails to acknowledge the dangerous dynamics present in abusive relationships. Research shows that abusers often use therapy or counseling as a tool for manipulation, reinforcing their control over their victims rather than fostering true change. Survivors may be coerced into counseling sessions where they are forced to remain silent or endure additional abuse under the guise of reconciliation. If the survivor is forthcoming during the session, they will be likely to face reprisal at home. Professional domestic violence organizations widely recognize that joint counseling is not only ineffective but also potentially harmful in cases where power and control imbalances exist. Any mandate for pre-marital or corrective counseling in abusive situations ultimately endangers survivors rather than providing them with support.
While HB 315 establishes that entering into a covenant marriage is optional, it does not account for the fact that abusers often control legal and financial decisions within a relationship, particularly when it allows them to maintain dominance over their victims. Many survivors are coerced into making legal commitments under duress, often through financial dependence, outright threats, or psychological manipulation. This imbalance of power means that what may appear as a voluntary agreement on the surface is, in reality, another means for an abuser to entrap their victim in an unbreakable legal bond.
Additionally, the bill’s narrow definition of abuse, which only includes physical and sexual violence, is deeply concerning. Abuse takes many forms, including emotional, psychological, financial, and coercive control- all of which are well-documented tactics used by abusers to maintain power over their partners. By excluding certain common forms of abuse, HB 315 disregards the lived experiences of countless survivors who suffer daily without visible bruises but are nonetheless trapped in cycles of fear, dependency, and control. It is imperative that legislation recognizes and addresses all forms of abuse to ensure survivors receive the protection and legal recourse they need.
Furthermore, HB 315’s restrictions on divorce would place insurmountable obstacles in the path of survivors seeking to escape abusive marriages. By limiting the grounds for divorce in covenant marriages to only a few specific circumstances- such as physical or sexual abuse, felony convictions, or prolonged abandonment- the bill ignores the reality that many survivors face when trying to leave their abusers. Many abusers avoid direct physical violence while using intimidation, financial control, isolation, or threats to maintain control, making it nearly impossible for survivors to meet the bill’s strict requirements for divorce. Prolonging a survivor’s entrapment in a dangerous marriage increases the risk of further harm and can have devastating consequences, including escalation to severe violence and even homicide.
Restricting divorce options also exacerbates the economic hardships many survivors face. Financial abuse is a common tactic used to trap victims, preventing them from accessing money, credit, or employment. By making divorce harder to obtain, HB 315 could force survivors into prolonged legal battles they cannot afford, further entrenching them in unsafe situations. The ability to leave a dangerous marriage quickly and without excessive legal barriers is a fundamental right that should be protected, not restricted.
The Tennessee Covenant Marriage Act fails to recognize the realities of domestic abuse and would ultimately put survivors in greater danger. I urge the Tennessee House Children & Families Subcommittee to reject HB 315 in the interest of protecting victims of abuse and ensuring they have the legal pathways necessary to secure their safety and independence.
Thank you for your time and consideration. Please do not hesitate to reach out if you would like to discuss this matter further.
Sincerely,
Chris Cox
Director
Operation Safe Escape
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