The Shelby County Family Safety Center has a special emergency fund for victims of same-sex domestic violence, and this weekend, the organizers of the “Love Doesn’t Hurt” fund will be holding its third annual benefit event. It will be held on Friday, March 27th at Club Spectrum at 7:30 p.m.
The benefit includes live entertainment and guest speakers from the district attorney’s office, as well as speeches from victims of domestic violence. The cover charge is $7.
Funds raised this weekend will be used for LGBT victims of domestic violence to provide emergency shelter, transportation, food, clothing, and relocation. In 2012, Phyllis Lewis, a domestic violence witness coordinator for the Shelby County District Attorney’s Office, started the “Love Doesn’t Hurt” fund.
“In the first case we dealt with, the person had completely left the home and needed somewhere to go,” Lewis said. “We housed that person in a hotel for a week, and then they decided they wanted to leave Memphis. So we helped that person get out of town. We want them safe from violence. The last thing we need is another homicide.”
They also collect hygiene products to hand out to victims.
“When you’re running from your wife, you’re not going to think about grabbing some deodorant,” Lewis said.
