MEMPHIS, Tenn — October is National Domestic Violence Awareness Month, and in the last few days, the Mid-South has been rattled by multiple domestic violence situations that have emphasized a need for local resources.
On Oct. 23, two people died in an apparent domestic violence situation in Munford. In Shelby County, 22-year-old Ellie Young was shot and killed by her ex-boyfriend at Shelby Farms on Oct. 19, and 65-year-old Rochelle Hill's body was found behind her home after what investigators believe was another domestic violence situation.
For anyone affected by the news of these events, there are resources in the city that can be accessed. Some of these are nationally-based and others are focused specifically on Memphis and surrounding areas:
Those who are in immediate danger are urged to call 911.
The National Domestic Violence Hotline is available 24/7 at 1-800-799-7233 or via text by messaging START to 88788. Deaf callers can reach a video phone line at (206) 518-9361. Online chat is also available on the hotline website.
The government of Shelby County offers a list of resources for those suffering through domestic violence, sexual assault, suicide awareness, human trafficking, elder abuse, child abuse and more.
Memphis Says NO MORE, an organization that has worked to bring awareness to sexual assault and all domestic violence since 2015, provides the following list of specific local resources:
- Casa Luz – for Spanish speaking families. Urgent and crisis clients in-person, other counseling by phone. (901) 500-8214 – leave message or text 24/7.
- Family Safety Center – safety planning and evaluation for Orders of Protection by phone, (901) 222-4400 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday-Friday. Emergency sheltering for high risk clients. Crisis line 901-800-6064. Seeing clients by appointment only.
- Memphis Child Advocacy Center – staff on campus for critical child sexual abuse and other severe abuse services for children 13 and under, otherwise available by phone and email. Multi-agency investigative team continues to meet daily via video conference. (901) 525-2377.
- Shelby County Crime Victims & Rape Crisis Center – assistance with Orders of Protection in critical safety cases (screening via telephone). Counselors and victim advocates available via (901) 222-3950 or online request 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday-Friday. 24/7/365 sexual assault forensic exams and hotline: (901) 222-4350.
- YWCA DV Crisis Hotline – phone interview for possible emergency shelter (901) 725-4277.
HELP IN JACKSON, TN:
Women’s Resource & Rape Assistance Program (WRAP) 1-800-273-8712. Located at 512 Roland Ave, Jackson, TN 38301