Donny Granger, Creation Studios

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Deborah Clubb is celebrating a victory. With the recent opening of a new domestic violence court in Shelby County, five years of coordinated community effort has been realized. As Executive Director of the Memphis Area Women’s Council, Deborah was committed to securing a single court for all DV cases in order to ensure legal consistency and easy access to advocates and public education.

Instead of seven divisions of judges handling all DV cases as they are handed down, all victims can now be directed to a single judge, Judge Lee Wilson, in Division 10. "He really understands the dynamics. He's committed to consistency in his rulings, but also helping in teh community as an advocate and educator," Deborah says.

There are approximately 200 DV cases every single day in Memphis. "You're already battered, scared or furious, or both. You want consistency in the way you are handled; you want to know where you're going and what's going to happen when you're a victim," Deborah says of the many DV victims. The previous process was simply not working, she says. Victims were required to return repeatedly, prosecution numbers were dropping, and the law was being applied erratically in the different cases. With one court and one judge, advocates can monitor decisions, wrap the one room in volunteers to help and direct victims. "We can more effectively supply counseling services, shelter, and advice on long-term steps to remain safe."

“It’s been a remarkable year. It's fits and starts sometimes, but we've had a great momentum with the DV goals this year.” The MAWC was key in keeping the rape crisis center issue in front of the city and county officials, this year, as well, and was instrumental in securing the new rape crisis center policy. Her organization is unique in its strategy for change; they consider research, unite with partners, and target policy change as opposed to direct social service. “What was missing before was women changing things on a policy level. So we’re about policy change for women and girls. We’re addressing issues of health, education and economic self-sufficiency." Information for victims and volunteers is available at erasedomesticcrime.com.

"We at the Women's Council found our footing this year, starting with the appointment of Judge Lee Wilson who vowed to seek a DV court, legislation creating the court, and then solving the crisis around rape crisis services. We've been the voice for women about violence. Thank goodness we were here!”