WRAP, MCSO partner to support domestic violence victims

Thanks to a Community Impact Grant from the Community Foundation of West Tennessee, WRAP (Wo/Men’s Resource and Rape Assistance Program) presented the Madison County Sheriff’s Office with 7,000 domestic violence victim information cards at a press conference at WRAP’s offices last week. 

The 7,000 cards will be used by Deputies responding to domestic violence calls within the county to provide victims with information about their legal rights, as well as warrant procedures and ways to connect with an investigator. 

The cards will also provide them with WRAP’s 24/7 Helpline number at 800-273-8712 and direct them to the Safe Hope Center, where they can meet with a WRAP advocate and access the other services available to them. 

“Ensuring victims receive immediate support during traumatic events is paramount to our mission,” said Sheriff Julian Wiser. “By equipping them with vital information on scene, we not only connect them with our team but also link them with WRAP advocates and the comprehensive services available at the Safe Hope Center. Our goal is to empower them to hold perpetrators accountable and access the necessary support to heal and thrive.” 

The project is part of WRAP’s Community Foundation-funded campaign, rallying under the banner of Wrapping West Tennessee in Support. 

Its overall goal is to ignite a collective conversation about domestic and sexual violence and galvanize the community to prevent it, address its harrowing impact, and make ending violence a top priority. 

In October, WRAP presented the Jackson Police Department with similar victim information cards to be used by officers on scene. 

“Last year, between the Madison County Sheriff's Office and the Jackson Police Department, nearly 600 reports of domestic or sexual violence were filed,” said Mamie Hutcherson, Executive Director of WRAP. “It's imperative that we proactively reach these victims during their most vulnerable moments. Providing Sheriff Deputies and Police Officers the tools to offer a lifeline on scene, connecting victims with vital resources, can truly change lives and potentially break the cycle of violence in our community. We extend our gratitude to the Community Foundation for awarding us the Community Impact Grant, enabling us to make this critical intervention.”

WRAP’s mission is to prevent intimate partner violence, stop the transmission of violence to children, youth, and young adults, and build healthy relationships across the lifespan – from children to seniors – one relationship at a time. WRAP believes that we can truly develop safe, stable, nurturing relationships, families, and communities throughout 20 counties in West Tennessee. WRAP services are free and confidential and include a 24/7 helpline, counseling, safety planning, safe homes, hospital and court accompaniment, advocacy, case management,resource linkage and the Relative Caregiver Program. WRAP serves 20 counties in West Tennessee. For more information, visit their website at www.wraptn.org, their Facebook page at WrapWestTN, or call their 24/7 helpline at 800-273-8712.