People who have survived gunshot wounds during crime incidents can get free counseling from a support group sponsored by the Shelby County Crime Victims’ Center.

“Counselors at our center say gunshot victims sometimes feel the physical and emotional effects of their injuries for years. The support group will ensure victims know about the available resources from Shelby County Government and our community partners,” said Shelby County Mayor Mark H. Luttrell, Jr.

The group meets at Noon on the first Thursday of every month at the Shelby County Crime Victims’ Center, 1750 Madison Avenue, in the first floor conference room.

“Crime victims sometimes avoid talking about the trauma of what happened to them. Our group allows people to share their feelings with people who have been through the same experiences,” says Anna Whalley, Administrator of the Shelby County Crime Victims’ Center.

Memphian Jeff Droke was shot several times during an attack in 2003. Droke, a member of Mayor Luttrell’s Victims of Crime Advisory League (VOCAL), says the group for gunshot victims is needed.

“I continue to suffer chronic pain from the gunshot wounds. I want to share my story with other gunshot victims as we struggle with the lifelong challenges of recovery,” said Droke.

For more information about the support group, contact Anna Whalley at the Shelby County Crime Victims Center at (901) 222-3950.