What We Do

History

In 1995, Memphis area service agencies, city and county governments, and local organizations joined together to form the Shelby County Domestic Violence Council (MSCDVC).  The Council’'s strategy has been to organize criminal justice aspects of DV and guide community efforts to reduce domestic related violence and deaths.  Through collective effort, the work of the DVC membership agencies and partnering organizations has led to the creation of a dedicated DV court, the Memphis Police and Shelby County Sheriffs’ DV units, a DV prosecution unit in the District Attorney’s office, a DV Assessment Center for offenders at the Exchange Club Family Center, and the provision of court advocates for victims of DV.  The Council has also provided valuable training to the Memphis Police Department, community members, and professionals.  In 2004, the SCDVC changed its name to the Memphis/Shelby County Domestic Violence Council to more accurately represent its membership.

Our Mission

The MSCDVC is committed to policy development, research, victim advocacy, and public education.   We actively pursue the creation of more options and resources for victims of domestic violence and changing public knowledge of and attitudes toward domestic violence.

Priorities

The MSCDVC’s priorities for 2008 are:

	Goal 1: Develop a sound governing infrastructure for the Memphis/Shelby County Domestic Violence Council that fosters a community wide approach in promoting the safety and well being of all women and children in Shelby County.
	Goal 2: Increase DV awareness through community outreach/education and professional training for the Memphis/Shelby County community
	Goal 3: Advocate for the safety and well-being of all women and children in Memphis and Shelby County through development of a public DV agenda
	Goal 4: Provide tools that strengthen collaborative research, enhance communication, and facilitate bridging the gap between research and community practice through continuation of the shared DV information databank, DVC web page, and quarterly dissemination forums.