FAST FACTS:
(Memphis 5/28/2009) The Rape Crisis Center controversy is headed to neighborhood streets, like Looney and Dunlap near Uptown, where two weeks ago there was another reported rape.
Audrey Holmes has lived in the area since 1990, "I am not aware of too much rape, but I have heard some screaming some mornings when I was leaving here at 2:30 on Saffrin, a lady hollering one morning. I didn't know what to do so I got in my car and left."
But the Midsouth Peace and Justice Center wants neighbors involved, especially in North Memphis and Uptown where many rapes happen.
The Memphis Sexual Assault Resource Center is where victims can get help.
"These are people in our community. If we as a community can't protect people, can't adequately prosecute offenders of this crime, what does that say about us," says Brad Watkins with the Mid-South Peace and Justice Center.
They've seen enough of the center's issues with staff, money and rape victims being turned away.
Now they want a Victim's Services Board and to move the center from city operation to Shelby County.
"The county oversees a variety of things, they are better suited. Especially since the Rape Crisis Center is a regional facility," says Watkins.
They are also taking their message to the streets, urging leaders to keep the center in tact, funded and staffed.
"We all have to get involved and make our voices heard on this. We are gonna go door to door, make phone calls in the night. We are gonna be at these activities getting involved in this," says Watkins.
The grass roots organizers may be getting a little help.
A Committee on the Shelby County Commission has approved a measure allowing the county to oversee the center.
The full commission will consider the measure next week.
- MidSouth Peace and Justice Center wants to keep Rape Crisis Center in tact
- Appeal being made to local government leaders
- Grassroots campaign underway to get community involved
(Memphis 5/28/2009) The Rape Crisis Center controversy is headed to neighborhood streets, like Looney and Dunlap near Uptown, where two weeks ago there was another reported rape.
Audrey Holmes has lived in the area since 1990, "I am not aware of too much rape, but I have heard some screaming some mornings when I was leaving here at 2:30 on Saffrin, a lady hollering one morning. I didn't know what to do so I got in my car and left."
But the Midsouth Peace and Justice Center wants neighbors involved, especially in North Memphis and Uptown where many rapes happen.
The Memphis Sexual Assault Resource Center is where victims can get help.
"These are people in our community. If we as a community can't protect people, can't adequately prosecute offenders of this crime, what does that say about us," says Brad Watkins with the Mid-South Peace and Justice Center.
They've seen enough of the center's issues with staff, money and rape victims being turned away.
Now they want a Victim's Services Board and to move the center from city operation to Shelby County.
"The county oversees a variety of things, they are better suited. Especially since the Rape Crisis Center is a regional facility," says Watkins.
They are also taking their message to the streets, urging leaders to keep the center in tact, funded and staffed.
"We all have to get involved and make our voices heard on this. We are gonna go door to door, make phone calls in the night. We are gonna be at these activities getting involved in this," says Watkins.
The grass roots organizers may be getting a little help.
A Committee on the Shelby County Commission has approved a measure allowing the county to oversee the center.
The full commission will consider the measure next week.
