Serial domestic abusers will now be tracked and their information will be easier for the public to access under a new law called Savanna's Law in honour of Savanna Puckett. Savanna was a Robertson County sheriff’s deputy, who was killed in 2022 by her ex boyfriend.
Savanna’s murder, like so many others, highlights gaps in how domestic violence histories are tracked and shared across the state (i.e. no history is shared and there is no join up).
This registry went live on January 1 2026 and is managed by the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation. It includes individuals convicted of domestic violence offenses two or more times. Public listings will show basic information such as a name, photo, date of birth, conviction dates, and county. Home addresses and Social Security numbers will not be included.
Offenders could remain on the registry anywhere from two to 20 years depending on the number of qualifying convictions. Supporters say the system gives victims, families, and communities another tool to better assess risk, while noting it only includes convictions within Tennessee.
It is not perfect but it is giant step forward. Abusers don't stop at state lines. It is a national and international problem and the lack of priority given to proactively tracking these violent and controlling men puts women and children at significant risk.
Repeat and serial offender histories must be made more visible and accessible and there needs to be a national register.
We must hold abusers accountable and there needs to be serious consequences - otherwise why would they ever change?
For many years I've campaigned for this alongside victims and families for serial and repeat domestic abusers and stalkers to be included on the same register as sex offenders and terrorists in the UK. They are terrorists of women and children. The register must include stalkers too as they are extremely dangerous and target many victims causing serious and psychological harm.
Tennessee have finally done what the UK could not - despite all the evidence including the increasing numbers of women being murdered by serial abusers. Talk is cheap and it changes precisely nothing.
Well done Tennessee.
Also please don't donate to Change. The money goes to them. If you want to help please:
DONATE to survivor Zoe Dronfield's legal case against the police who failed her: https://www.gofundme.com/f/justice-for-victims-of-serial-domestic-abusers
DONATE to survivor Tina Nash's GoFundMe. The serial abuser, Shane Jenkin, who attacked Tina gouged her eyes out and she needs the funds to help with security and day to day living. He has just been transferred to an open prison - you could even meet him and currently you would not be told anything about his history: https://www.gofundme.com/f/tinanash
Signed,
Laura Richards, Zoe Dronfield, Tina Nash, Natalie Queiroz and all the victims and families who have been asking for this to be done for many years