Safe Hope Center helps victims of domestic and sexual violence
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WEST JACKSON, Tenn. — A new resource for domestic and sexual violence victims officially opened its doors, Wednesday. The building houses multiple agencies providing help for those who need it. The Safe Hope Center is a one-stop shop for victims of domestic and sexual violence. “We’ll be able to help more victims to get out of domestic abuse situations,” Jackson Police Department Captain Mike Holt said. Holt helps victims of violent crime. Victims can meet with Jackson police, the Wo/men‘s Rape and Resource Assistance Program, West Tennessee Legal Services, and the district attorney‘s office. All have staff in the building. “We’re gonna lay out what their options are and they choose how they move forward,” Jennifer McCraw, site coordinator, said. McCraw said all of the services at the Safe Hope Center are free. WRAP Executive Director Daryl Chansuthus says they have already seen a 19-percent increase in traffic since moving in this summer. “They come to see the police. The police say would you like to see an advocate. They’re right over here,” she said. “They’re able to walk them over. We’re able to provide the services right on the spot.” By working together with other agencies under the same roof, Holt said they hope to make the city safer. “We’re able to communicate directly with each other, the advocates, the investigators, they know each other,” he said. “They’re able to work together for the best outcome of the victim.” McCraw said local and federal funding along with donations helped pay for the center. The Safe Hope Center is one of six family justice centers in Tennessee.
