Domestic violence victims still have options
On Monday, Memphis Mayor Jim Strickland issued an executive order that instructed all Memphis residents to stay at home unless conducting essential businesses for a two-week period, which has some advocates worried about victims of domestic abuse that may be forced to stay in with an abusive partner or family member.
Though some organizations have suspended in-person and walk-in victims' services in an effort to slow the spread of the coronavirus in the Memphis area, help is still available, said Shelby County Crime Victims and Rape Crisis Center director Sandy Bromley.
"The very first call you make is to the Family Safety Center, if it is safe to do so," said Bromley. "The victim knows their situation best, so as a service provider, we'll walk them through what they think their options are, and we'll offer additional resources and options."
A phone is preferable, especially if an individual is facing immediate bodily harm, but if a victim doesn't feel they can safely call the Family Safety Center, they also have the option of connecting with the organization through its website.
Both the Family Safety Center and the Shelby County Crime Victims and Rape Crisis Centers are able to connect victims with multiple agencies that include wrap-around services such as emergency counseling.
The following is a non-exhaustive list of resources for domestic violence victims that includes emergency shelter options and telehealth screening services for those in acute crisis.
Places offering emergency shelter
Family Safety Center: The Family Safety Center is still accepting individuals who need emergency housing. The organization has a 24-hour emergency hotline that can be reached by calling 901-249-7611. If individuals are unable to safely call, there is an online contact for available on the organization's website.
The Family Safety Center also offers emergency consultation and safety screening during their business hours of 8:30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. Victims needing to be screened for services can call 901-2224400.
YWCA: One of the primary providers for emergency women's services in West Tennessee, the YWCA is still offering emergency shelter for women and children amid the coronavirus pandemic.
The YWCA has an emergency hotline staffed 24 hours a day. Those needing services can call 901-725-4277. The YWCA is located at 766 S. Highland St.
Organizations offering wrap around services
Shelby County Crime Victims & Rape Crisis Center: Among the essential services provided by the county's victim advocacy organization are sexual assault forensic exams, offered 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The sexual assault hotline is 901-222-4350.
If victims are unable to call, the organization has an online request form for services.
The crisis center also offers assistance with orders of protection needed by individuals in immediate danger from an abusive individual. Those needed assistance with an order of protection are encouraged to call 901-2223950 between 8 a.m. until 6 p.m., Monday through Friday.
Athena Project: The University of Memphis' domestic violence support program is offering telehealth services for emergency counseling. The organization can be reached by calling 901683-3973 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.
Kindred Place: Formerly called The Exchange Club, Kindred Place is an emergency service provider for victims of domestic violence. Their staff includes counselors and social workers, and offers assistance in both English and Spanish.
Kindred Place also offers incomebased services at a discounted rate where applicable.
The organization will start offering telehealth counseling services on March 25. The organization can be reached by calling 901-276-2200 between the hours of 9 a.m. through 5 p.m., Monday through Thursday.
Memphis Crisis Center: The organization's volunteer staff includes counselors and social workers who help individuals suffering from mental health crisis.
The Memphis Crisis Center can be reached 24 hours a day, seven days a week by calling 901-274-7477.
Memphis Child Advocacy Center: The child welfare organization has restricted some in-person services during the COVID-19 pandemic, but their multi-agency staff is still meeting remotely in order to assess and respond to reports of child abuse.
The organization is advising individuals with knowledge of child abuse to report the abuse immediately by calling the Tennessee Child Abuse hotline at 877-237-0004.
By calling the hotline, multiple agencies that address child abuse including law enforcement are able to assess individual cases and determine the best response.
See a resource missing? This list in non-exhaustive, and the reporter welcomes all tips and additions. To have a resource included, please reach out to Micaela Watts at micaela.watts@commercialappeal.com.