MEMPHIS, Tenn — Since mid-November, the death of four women in what police are calling a probable domestic violence situation has emphasized a need for resources in the Memphis area.
Memphis' city government issued a mass text and phone call alert the night of Nov. 18, 2023, as the Memphis Police Department (MPD) searched for a gunman. Police said he shot a total of five female victims over three separate crime scenes. Four of the women died, police said.
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 that 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 "LOVEIS" to 1-866-331-9474. Online chat is also available on the hotline website.
The government of Shelby County offers a list of recourses 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 crises 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) 249-7611.
Kindred Place – phone, email and video chat for counseling and educational services; accepting new clients and continuing in-person sessions on case-by-case basis. (901) 276-2200.
Memphis Child Advocacy Center – therapists, advocates, and forensic interviewers work daily with investigators, prosecutors, and medical clinicians to help youth 17 and under after reported child sexual abuse or other severe abuse. (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 6 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
The Family Safety Center said the pandemic has also exacerbated its funding. To donate, click here.
In the Mid-South, cases of domestic violence aggravated assaults rose through the COVID-19 pandemic three years ago. The Memphis Shelby County Crime Commission reported that cases peaked by 30% in May of that year. In June and July, the numbers were still up 19% and 16%.
“The data from the crime commission just affirmed for me what we’ve been worried about since the lock down and the stay at home orders began," Deborah Clubb, Memphis Area Women’s Council Executive Director, said.
Clubb also works with Memphis Says No More, who ran a PSA entitled "An epidemic you can't wash your hands of" as a way to show that domestic violence was rising. It also encouraged people to look out for their neighbors and themselves.
Clubb said people must be on alert and willing to help to prevent further escalation of that epidemic.
“Each of us can help any of us," Clubb said. "That’s the bottom line and in these times we all need to try.”
