Tenn. Code Ann. § 36-3-613: Leaving residence or use of necessary force - Right to relief unaffected

(a) The petitioner's right to relief under this part is not affected by the petitioner's leaving the residence or household to avoid domestic abuse, stalking, sexual exploitation of a minor, sexual assault, or a human trafficking offense.

(b) The petitioner's right to relief under this part is not affected by use of such physical force against the respondent as is reasonably believed to be necessary to defend the petitioner or another from imminent physical injury, domestic abuse, or sexual assault.