Over 100 Hand-Crafted items Donated to the Family Safety Center from Rhodes College Theatre Students

MEMPHIS, TENN., May 25, 2021 –The Rhodes College Theatre students in Professor Laura Perkins class took initiative to do what is in their power to help those in need and used their craft to create change by donating items for Family Safety Center clients including over 100 hand-crafted masks of various sizes and colors, button ear savers, headband ear savers, over 20 zipper toiletry bags, and feminine hygiene products to put in the bags.

“They could have donated them anywhere, but they chose to donate to the Family Safety Center, and that means the world to us,” said Éthele Hilliard, Transition Manager at Family Safety Center. “Providing resources for victims in unhealthy relationships is just one piece of what we do at the Family Safety Center, and having members of the community come together to help make a difference, no matter how big or small, that is how change happens. The students’ donations are especially useful as clients come to us at a time of crisis, often leaving violent situations without time to plan for basic necessities. We urge anyone experiencing domestic violence to call our 24-hour hotline at 901-249-7611 or contact us confidentially through our website www.FamilySafetyCenter.org”

Domestic violence is one of the biggest contributors to the high rate of violent crime in our community, and teens and young women are especially vulnerable. Law enforcement handles over 340 calls related to intimate partner violence per week. During the pandemic, clients have reported higher levels of violence. The Family Safety Center helps victims succeed by offering various services and resources in one location; a sort of one-stop-shop for services to victims of intimate partner violence. Law enforcement, legal services, and victims’ services are located at the Family Safety Center, streamlining an often complicated and intimidating process. Family Safety Center relies on a network of 25 community partners to serve more effectively and efficiently those hurting in Memphis and Shelby County.

The Family Safety Center continues to encourage victims of domestic violence to educate themselves and learn about the free and confidential services that are available to them in Memphis and Shelby County. Domestic violence victims can contact the Family Safety Center through a 24-hour crisis hotline at 901-249-7611 or on their website at www.FamilySafetyCenter.org.

Services available to domestic violence victims through Family Safety Center:

• Victim Safety and Support
  • Safety planning
  • Referral to safe, confidential emergency shelter
  • Referral to counseling for victims of domestic violence and child witnesses of domestic violence
• Legal and Law Enforcement Services
  • Assistance with Orders of Protection
  • Civil legal services, advice and court advocacy
  • Consultation with District Attorney Staff
  • Assistance with law enforcement reports
  • Support in prosecution of domestic violence offenders
• Enrichment and Language Resources
  • Translation Services
  • Referral to Faith-based organizations
  • Immigration-sensitive victim services

Family Safety Center Partner Agencies

There over 25 partner agencies that work with the Family Safety Center to serve victims of intimate partner violence in Memphis and Shelby County, either through an on-site presence (full time or part time) or at their off-site locations. Key partners include:

Local Police

• Bartlett Police Department
• Collierville Police Department
• Germantown Police Department
• Memphis Police Department 
• Millington Police Department
• Shelby County Sheriff’s Office
  

Medical & Health Services

• CHOICES: Center for Reproductive Health
• Memphis Child Advocacy Center
• Tennessee Department of Children’s Services
  

Legal Help

• Memphis Area Legal Services
• Shelby County Crime Victims Center/Rape Crisis Center
• Shelby County District Attorney General – Domestic Violence Unit

Counseling

•  Kindred Place
• The Athena Project University of Memphis
  

Wraparound services

• Agape Child and Family Services
• Metropolitan Inter-Faith Association (MIFA)
• OUT Memphis
• The 2Unique Closet Boutique 
• Young Women’s Christian Association of Greater Memphis (YWCA)

Family Safety Center can be found online at:

• https://familysafetycenter.org/
• https://www.facebook.com/FamilySafetyCenter/?fref=ts
• https://instagram.com/FamilySafetyCenterMSC

About Family Safety Center

The Family Safety Center is one location that effectively combines civil, criminal, health and social services for victims of family violence.

By co-locating the services of our partner agencies in one location, Family Safety Center is able to better serve the hurting families of Memphis and Shelby County who are caught up in the trauma of domestic violence. We provide assistance to the victims and help them navigate through the many services available to them. Ultimately, we strive to reduce incidents of domestic violence and strengthen families in Memphis and Shelby County.

For more information visit: https://familysafetycenter.org/