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In Tennessee, the police have several responsibilities towards victims of domestic violence. If possible, they must transport the victim to safety. They are also required to refer the victim to local services such as domestic violence shelters and provide him with a written statement informing him of his rights. The police also must let the victim know that the alleged offender may be allowed to post bail following arraignment.

When Tennessee police arrive at the scene of domestic violence, they must arrest the primary aggressor--the person who acted violently towards others in the domicile. In many cases, two or more people involved in the incident have injuries or acted violently. In these cases, the police must determine who is the primary aggressor. If both people are equally responsible for the incident or the police cannot determine who acted violently first, they may elect to arrest all parties or decline to make an arrest at all. Police officers may not discourage future calls for help by threatening to arrest everyone involved in an incident. Police may arrest an individual for domestic violence without the consent of the victim.

In cases where the police do not arrest either party, they may order one party to leave the dwelling or stand guard while one party packs and gets ready to leave.

If a person under the age of 18 reports domestic abuse that person's statement must be signed by his parent or guardian. The only exception to this rule is the case of emancipated minors, who are considered adults in the eyes of the law.