Along with dominating headlines over the past few years, technology and internet safety were highlighted by domestic and family violence advocacy organizations and service providers throughout this year’s Domestic Violence Awareness Month, observed annually each October.
Read moreDomestic and Family Violence Resources in Harris County
The Texas Advocacy Project estimates that 74% of all Texans will experience intimate partner violence or know someone who has. This blog post lists several local and national resources for people experiencing domestic or family violence.
Read moreOctober is Domestic Violence Awareness & Prevention Month
Autumn brings more than pumpkin spice and cooler weather—it also brings a time of reflection and support because October is National Domestic Violence Awareness & Prevention Month. This blog post shares definitions and statistics related to domestic violence, as well as information for a local resource, AVDA.
Read moreVideo Doorbell Jumps into the Ring to Combat Domestic Violence
According to a report issued by the National Commission on COVID-19 and Criminal Justice in February 2021, incidents of domestic violence in the United States increased by approximately 8.1% during the lockdown periods imposed by state and local governments. The rise was attributed to various factors, such as unemployment, increased alcohol use, stress relating to childcare and homeschooling, and the separation of victims from possible means of support. Although the lockdowns and restrictions implemented during the early days of the pandemic may have been lifted and eliminated, the threat of domestic violence still looms, and victims and survivors still need assistance. Fortunately, some of that assistance by way of a local donation and some help from the federal government.
Read moreNational Domestic Violence Awareness Month
“Domestic violence is an evil that threatens the social fabric of our Nation. It is a widespread attack on the most sacred and intimate of institutions — the American family.” — Proclamation on National Domestic Violence Awareness Month, 2020
October is National Domestic Violence Awareness Month, a time set aside to educate, support, and stand up against this pervasive wrong that continues to plague our society, and which has sadly increased during a time when the world is consumed by the continuing effects of the global pandemic that has upended our lives. It is a reminder that the vulnerable still need to be protected and kept safe from harm.
If you need immediate assistance, please call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 800-799-SAFE (7233).
To help those who have been a victim of domestic violence or know someone that has, our librarians at the Harris County Law Library have compiled a list of resources and organizations that may be able to assist:
National Domestic Violence Hotline - Available 24/7, the National Domestic Violence Hotline provides much-needed support to survivors of domestic violence through its telephone hotline or its live chat line. You can find information to help you recognize the common signs of abuse and tips for creating a safety plan. The information and resources available on the Hotline’s website are not limited to victims of family violence. There is also useful information for those who are witnesses to domestic violence and abuse and how to provide much-needed support.
Texas Advocacy Project - Through free legal services, access to the justice system, and education and prevention, the Texas Advocacy Project seeks to break the cycle of violence and offer survivors an opportunity to live free from fear of abuse. The Texas Advocacy Project offers virtual legal clinics that can help with a wide range of family law issues, assistance with emergency protective orders, and two toll-free legal help lines.
AVDA (Aid to Victims of Domestic Abuse) - Located here in Houston, AVDA has been serving survivors of domestic abuse by providing free legal representation and counseling for 40 years. Programs include victim advocacy, legal advocacy, counseling, and its Battering Intervention and Prevention Program. You can also find a downloadable domestic violence safety plan and a list of local organizations that provide much-needed assistance, such as shelters and organizations that provide employment, rent/utilities, and emergency and support services.
Texas Health and Human Services Commission - Through its Family Violence Program, the Commission provides survivors with supportive services, such as temporary 24-hour shelters, a 24-hour hotline, legal assistance, emergency transportation, assistance in obtaining medical care, and training and help finding employment.
Attorney General of Texas - The Office of the Attorney General of Texas offers assistance to victims of family violence through several different initiatives such as the Crime Victims’ Compensation Program, the Address Confidentiality Program, the Statewide Automated Victim Notification System, and child support help. Survivors of family violence can also have their names removed from public files and records relating to the offense by completing the Pseudonym Form for Victims of Family Violence.
DomesticShelters.org - DomesticShelters.org has created a list of domestic violence services that are available in cities throughout Texas. Resources range from emergency services to community education services. Simply click on a city near you to see which services are available in your area.
