Memphis, Tennessee, a city known for its rich musical heritage and mouth-watering barbecue, is grappling with a less savory distinction. It is a city where over 20,000 different cases of domestic violence occur each year, and where 70% of violent adults come from violent homes. In 2020, Tennessee alone had 90 domestic violence-related homicides. Memphis police respond to more than 40 domestic violence calls each day, and more than half of all violent crime in Memphis is classified as domestic violence.

The impact of domestic violence is far-reaching, affecting not only the victims but also their children, families, friends, and co-workers. It also has significant economic costs. Domestic violence, sexual assault, and human sex trafficking cost Tennessee approximately $886.1 billion or more annually.

In Memphis, several organizations are working tirelessly to provide support and resources for domestic violence victims. The Family Safety Center of Memphis and Shelby County, YWCA Greater Memphis, and Memphis Area Women's Council are among these organizations. They offer services like emergency shelters, hotlines, counseling, legal referral services, and financial literacy education.

However, the fight against domestic violence is not without its challenges. Memphis Police Chief CJ Davis has emphasized the importance of community policing in addressing domestic violence, as police cannot always intervene in time to prevent incidents. The clearance rate for domestic violence cases in Memphis is 46%.

Despite these challenges, Memphis is not standing idle. The Memphis Says NO MORE campaign, led by the Memphis Sexual Assault Kit Task Force, aims to raise awareness of domestic violence and sexual assault and change the public dialogue around these issues. The Memphis Area Women's Council also focuses on violence against women and offers programs like "Violence at Home. Victims at Work. Employers Confront Domestic Violence" to raise awareness in the workplace.

Prevention and intervention strategies are also crucial in the fight against domestic violence. Safety planning guidelines, lethality assessment questionnaires, and community-based programs can help prevent and address domestic violence. Employers also play a significant role in recognizing and confronting domestic violence and helping their employees become safe.

By shedding light on these aspects, we hope to provide a comprehensive overview of the issue of domestic violence in Memphis, TN, and discuss the efforts being made to address and prevent it. It is a fight that requires the collective effort of the entire community, and every step taken towards addressing this issue brings us closer to a safer, more peaceful Memphis.

Judge Greg Gilbert talked about Domestic Violence before he was elected as the Memphis Domestic Violence Judge.