Athena's Court

Athena's Court is the Davidson County General Sessions Treatment Court for survivors of human trafficking who are currently involved in the criminal justice system. The mission of the program is to allow justice involved survivors of human trafficking the opportunity to reduce the psychological harm of traditional court processes, connect with services and re-enter society in a self-sufficient manner. Athena's Court consists of a multi-disciplinary team including the Honorable Judge Ana Escobar as Presiding Judge and her staff, Metro Probation, Thistle Farms Residential (Magdalene), Mental Health Cooperative, Nashville Defenders, Office of the District Attorney, Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, Sexual Assault Center, Office of Family Safety and other service agencies. Grants provide funding for the program to rehabilitate and reintegrate individuals into the community. Athena's Court is a voluntary program that may take up to 24 months to complete. Each phase addresses a different area in the participants life and recovery. Participants are given the opportunity to attend treatment for substance use disorder, to connect with a trauma informed therapist, to meet with mental health providers, to live in supportive housing, and to re-enter the work force. Participants are expected to attend court weekly but as they advance in the program, attendance requirements are lessened. Athena's Court accepts referrals from attorneys, judges, and probation officers. If you would like to refer someone to the program, please click here. If you would like to report possible human trafficking or if you are a survivor of human trafficking, please call the Human Trafficking Hotline 1-855-55-TNHTH.