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Author: Rebecca Councill

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Legacies Womens History Month

Survivor Pioneers and Women Who Transformed the Domestic Violence Movement

Honoring Women’s History Month

March is Women’s History Month, a time to celebrate the achievements and resilience of women who have shaped history. In the fight against domestic violence, many brave women have used their voices, experiences, and leadership to advocate for survivors, push for legal reforms, and build support systems. These pioneers have laid the foundation for today’s domestic violence movement, ensuring that survivors receive the help and justice they deserve.

Survivor Leaders Who Made a Difference

Ruth A. White – The Early Voice for Battered Women

One of the earliest survivor advocates, Ruth A. White helped establish the first shelters for battered women in the 1970s. Recognizing the need for safe spaces for survivors fleeing abuse, she worked tirelessly to create resources and public awareness about domestic violence. Her work laid the groundwork for modern domestic violence shelters nationwide.

Mildred Muhammad – From Survivor to Advocate

Mildred Muhammad, the ex-wife of the D.C. Sniper John Allen Muhammad, turned her personal experience of abuse into a powerful advocacy platform. She speaks about the intersection of domestic violence and coercive control, highlighting the dangers survivors face even after leaving abusive relationships. Through her work, she has helped shift the conversation to include emotional and psychological abuse as critical components of domestic violence.

Leslie Morgan Steiner – Giving a Voice to Survivors

Author and advocate Leslie Morgan Steiner uses her story of surviving an abusive relationship to educate others about the warning signs of domestic violence. Her TED Talk, Why Domestic Violence Victims Don’t Leave, has reached millions worldwide, encouraging people to better understand the complexities of abusive relationships.

Women Who Pioneered the Domestic Violence Movement

Dr. Toby Myers -“Godmother” of the Domestic Violence Movement in Texas

Dr. Toby Myers used her experience as a survivor to become a lifelong advocate for women.  She is a founding member of the Houston Area Women’s Center, often waking her 3 children in the middle of the night to go unlock the house used as the first HAWC shelter for a woman and her children.  She is a founding member of the Texas Council on Family Violence, realizing bringing people together to advocate is the best way to be heard.  She helped create AVDA and started The Pivot Project which has turned into one of the most successful and respected battering intervention programs in Texas.  She has served, mentored, and guided the Harris County Domestic Violence Coordinating Council from day one.  She is the longest tenured Board member of HCDVCC and continues to be active in several HCDVCC committees.   Her passion and dedication to women is a bright light in this often-dreary world.  She is the guiding star to so many. 

Ellen Pence – Transforming the Justice System

Ellen Pence was a leader in changing how the justice system responds to domestic violence. As a co-founder of the Duluth Model, she helped develop the widely used Power and Control Wheel, which illustrates the tactics abusers use to maintain control. Her work has influenced domestic violence intervention programs across the world.

Tiloma Jayasinghe – A Global Advocate for Women’s Rights

Tiloma Jayasinghe has dedicated her career to advocating for survivors on a global scale. As a former leader of Sakhi for South Asian Women, she has worked to provide culturally specific domestic violence services, ensuring that women from immigrant and marginalized communities receive the support they need.

Estér King – A Champion for Policy Reform

Estér King helped shape legislative policies that protect survivors from housing discrimination. Thanks to her advocacy, laws have been enacted to ensure that survivors of domestic violence cannot be evicted simply for experiencing abuse in their homes. Her work has provided stability and security to countless survivors seeking to rebuild their lives.

The Legacy of These Trailblazers

The women highlighted above, along with countless others, have changed the landscape of domestic violence advocacy. From legal reforms to public awareness campaigns, they have fought to make the world safer for survivors. Their contributions continue to inspire new generations of advocates, ensuring that the fight for safety, justice, and empowerment carries on.

As we honor Women’s History Month, let us recognize the courage of survivors and the relentless work of those who have dedicated their lives to ending domestic violence. Their legacy is a reminder that change is possible, and every voice matters in the fight against abuse.

If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, help is available. Contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 800-799-SAFE (7233) or visit thehotline.org for support.

Categories
Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month

Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month

teen female looking at phone, stressed with the title of the article on the side (Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month: What to Look For & How to Help).
teen female looking at phone, stressed with the title of the article on the side (Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month: What to Look For & How to Help).

Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month: What to Look For & How to Help

Teen relationships should be fun, safe, and built on mutual respect. But for too many teens, dating turns into something dangerous—something that hurts instead of uplifts. February is Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month, a time to shine a light on an issue that affects 1 in 3 teens in the U.S. If you’re in an unhealthy relationship, know someone who is, or just want to be prepared to support a friend, keep reading.

Spotting the Signs of an Unhealthy Relationship

Teen dating violence isn’t just physical. It can be emotional, psychological, digital, sexual, or financial abuse. The person being abused may not even realize what’s happening at first. Here’s what to look for:

  • Extreme jealousy or possessiveness – A partner who constantly checks your phone, gets mad if you talk to others, or accuses you of cheating without reason.
  • Controlling behavior – They tell you who you can and can’t hang out with, what to wear, or how to act.
  • Love bombing, then withdrawal – At first, they’re over-the-top sweet, texting nonstop, giving gifts, making big promises. Then they pull away, punish you with silence, or make you feel like you’re “too much.”
  • Embarrassing or humiliating you – Making fun of you in front of others, calling you names, or spreading rumors.
  • Threats or intimidation – Saying they’ll hurt themselves if you leave, threatening to ruin your reputation, or using fear to control you.
  • Physical harm – Pushing, hitting, throwing things, or any kind of physical violence—even just once.
  • Digital abuse – Hacking into your accounts, demanding passwords, sending unwanted explicit photos, or tracking your location.

Red Flags That Shouldn’t Be Ignored

🚩 They rush the relationship and say things like, “I’ve never felt this way before” within days or weeks.
🚩 You feel like you have to walk on eggshells around them.
🚩 They pressure you into things you’re uncomfortable with—whether it’s sex, drugs, or skipping school.
🚩 They make you doubt yourself—gaslighting you into thinking you’re overreacting or imagining things.
🚩 They isolate you from your family and friends, making you dependent on them.
🚩 You feel afraid to leave because you don’t know what they’ll do.

How to Help a Friend in an Abusive Relationship

If you notice a friend pulling away, acting different, or making excuses for their partner’s toxic behavior, they may be in an abusive relationship. It’s not always easy to get through to them, but here’s what you can do:

  • Believe them. If they open up, listen without judgment. Don’t minimize their experience by saying, “It’s probably not that bad.”
  • Avoid blaming them. They may not leave right away, and that’s okay. Instead of, “Why don’t you just break up?” try, “I’m here whenever you need me.”
  • Help them see the signs. Gently point out concerning behaviors. “I’ve noticed your partner always checks your phone. Does that make you uncomfortable?”
  • Stay connected. Abusers isolate their victims. Keep inviting your friend to hang out and check in often.
  • Offer a way out. Help them make a safety plan (more on that below) or offer to go with them to talk to a trusted adult.

Getting Out of an Abusive Relationship

Leaving isn’t easy, especially when emotions are involved. But safety comes first. Here’s how to make an exit plan:

✅ Talk to someone you trust – A parent, school counselor, teacher, coach, or friend. You don’t have to do this alone.
✅ Plan your breakup in a safe place – If you’re afraid of their reaction, break up in a public place or over text. Do not meet alone.
✅ Block them on social media and your phone – This prevents them from harassing or manipulating you after the breakup.
✅ Gather evidence – If they’ve been threatening or abusive over text, save screenshots. You may need them later.
✅ Know your escape route – If they show up at your school or house, have a plan on where you’ll go and who you’ll call.
✅ Get professional help – Love Is Respect (866-331-9474) and The National Domestic Violence Hotline (800-799-7233) have 24/7 support.

You’re Not Alone – Support Is Out There

No one deserves to feel unsafe in a relationship. If you or someone you know is experiencing dating violence, help is available:

💜 Love Is Respect – Call 866-331-9474 or text “LOVEIS” to 22522 for confidential support.
💜 National Domestic Violence Hotline – 800-799-7233 or chat at thehotline.org.
💜 Talk to a trusted adult – A teacher, coach, school counselor, or family member can help you navigate your next steps.

Dating should feel exciting, safe, and uplifting—never scary or suffocating. If something doesn’t feel right, trust yourself. Help is always available, and you deserve better.

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Categories
Community DVAM Voices Of Freedom

Reflecting on a Powerful Domestic Violence Awareness Month

Reflecting on a Powerful Domestic Violence Awareness Month

As October comes to an end, the pressing issue of gender-based violence, particularly domestic violence, remains at the forefront of our mission. Throughout Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM), the Harris County Domestic Violence Coordinating Council (HCDVCC), alongside our incredible community partners, dedicated time to amplifying the conversation around recognizing, responding to, and making referrals for domestic violence.

Throughout the month, the HCDVCC team had the privilege of supporting our partners at various events, including The Bridge, Fresh Spirit, Aid to Victims of Dometic Abuse (AVDA), and An Nisa Hope Center, who graciously invited us to participate in their galas and luncheons.

The Communications Department was busy during October appearing on KPRC, FOX 26 and KHOU discussing important issues about Domestic Violence.    Thank you to all the stations for making domestic violence a feature during October.   HCDVCC also participated in a panel discussion with AVDA, The Bridge, the District Attorney’s Office and the Houston Police Department at the United Way’s Interagency Meeting discussing issues and resources related to domestic violence for their Community Partners.

We partnered with AVDA and Daya to host an Interfaith Community Dialogue on Domestic Violence.  Advocates were joined by Faith Leaders for table talk discussions on Domestic Violence.  After the Dialogue, we held an evening of Remembrance, Caring and Hope to celebrate survivors and honor those we lost to domestic violence in the last year. We were honored to have several families who lost a loved one join us for this moving event. 

On October 9th, our Senior Director of Operations and Communications, Amy Smith, had the unique opportunity to meet with ten members of the Korean National Police Agency and provide training on the dynamics of domestic violence, Coordinated Community Responses (CCR), Risk Assessments, and Safety Planning. During their three-week visit to Houston, hosted by Sam Houston State University’s College of Criminal Justice, the group also met with representatives from the Harris County Sheriff’s Office, Houston Police Department, and other local agencies to compare international approaches to protecting vulnerable populations.

Thecia Jenkins, our Training and Outreach Director, participated in an event that was hosted in collaboration with State Representative Jolanda Jones and AVDA. This impactful session focused on identifying lethality risks in domestic violence situations and preventing abuse by promoting healthy relationships. Attendees were able to access real-time resources and connect with one another, sharing personal stories and finding support.

Our Voices of Freedom ambassadors—a remarkable group of survivors who have thrived and now lead as advocates—spearheaded a four-part social media series on Facebook. These posts addressed critical topics such as dismantling domestic violence myths, the journey from victimization to advocacy, engaging men in the conversation, faith-based responses to abuse, and the importance of self-care for both survivors and advocates.

Our Education and Outreach team was quite active this month partnering with local colleges and universities to lead discussions on healthy relationships. They reached over 700 youth and young adults, sparking conversations on domestic violence prevention. 

The Team hosted a Family Fun Day in partnership with Village Green.  This was one of the highlights of the month—a fun-filled day emphasizing the importance of community connections. This event also served as a precursor to next year’s Youth Boot Camp on Healthy Relationships.

The Team also hosted two outreach workshops one on Creating a Culture of Care: How healthy relationships and bystander intervention can make a difference. The participants learned essential skills to foster healthy relationships and intervene in potentially harmful situations. The second workshop was an Accountability Walk or Taking Responsibility for Our Actions and Ending Violence. This powerful, interactive activity allowed participants to step into the shoes of domestic violence offenders, raising awareness of the challenges they face on the road to rehabilitation.

This October also saw HCDVCC’s Client Support Groups engage in a creative and therapeutic project, where participants—mothers and children—used art to envision their personal, professional, and psychological futures.

We were honored to be in the company of amazing people and agencies when HCDVCC received one of Harris County District Attorney Kim Ogg’s Community Partner Awards.

While October has come to an end, our work is far from over. As we move toward the end of this year and into 2025, let’s continue to have these crucial conversations and advocate for those affected by domestic violence. Together, we can keep making a difference.

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Community Community Share

Hispanic Roundtable – A Reflection

Photo of people who attended the HCDVCC Roundtable

Reflecting on HCDVCC’s Inaugural Hispanic Roundtable: Staff Perspectives

 

HCDVCC hosted the second in a series of Roundtable discussions aimed at specific communities.  The Coordinated Community Response in the Hispanic Community Roundtable was held on September 19th at the United Way with almost 50 people in attendance.  Below is a summary of the event by Daniana Trigoso-Kukulski, one of the DVCC Case Managers.

English Version   |   Spanish Version

I am pleased to share the success of our meeting with the Hispanic community in the past  week as part of the Harris County Domestic Violence Coordinator Council. The gathering was not only impactful but also opened up a wealth of new opportunities to strengthen our initiatives in addressing domestic violence in underserved populations.

The discussions were rich with personal experience and insights that will help guide our future work. We were able to highlight key initiatives such as early intervention programs for immigrant and refugee families, trauma-informed care for children exposed to domestic violence, and culturally sensitive support services. The community’s engagement demonstrated their readiness to collaborate and support these efforts, creating a strong foundation for continued partnership.

Moving forward, we’ve identified several new opportunities for collaboration, including potential community workshops, outreach campaigns, and expanded mental health services tailored to the unique needs of the Hispanic population. These initiatives will help ensure that survivors receive the culturally appropriate care they need and that we are actively promoting education and prevention within the community.

We look forward to working closely with all of you as we take the next steps in advancing these important efforts and making a lasting difference in Harris County.

Spanish version:

Me complace compartir el éxito de nuestra reunión con la comunidad hispana la semana pasada como parte del Consejo de Coordinadores de Violencia Doméstica del Condado de Harris. La reunión no solo fue impactante, sino que también abrió una gran cantidad de nuevas oportunidades para fortalecer nuestras iniciativas para abordar la violencia doméstica en poblaciones desatendidas.

Las discusiones fueron ricas en experiencias y perspectivas personales que ayudarán a guiar nuestro trabajo futuro. Pudimos destacar iniciativas clave como programas de intervención temprana para familias inmigrantes y refugiadas, atención informada sobre el trauma para niños expuestos a la violencia doméstica y servicios de apoyo culturalmente sensibles. La participación de la comunidad demostró su disposición a colaborar y apoyar estos esfuerzos, creando una base sólida para una asociación continua.

En el futuro, hemos identificado varias nuevas oportunidades de colaboración, incluidos posibles talleres comunitarios, campañas de divulgación y servicios de salud mental ampliados adaptados a las necesidades únicas de la población hispana. Estas iniciativas ayudarán a garantizar que los sobrevivientes reciban la atención culturalmente apropiada que necesitan y que estemos promoviendo activamente la educación y la prevención dentro de la comunidad.

Espero trabajar estrechamente con todos ustedes a medida que damos los próximos pasos para avanzar en estos importantes esfuerzos y marcar una diferencia duradera en el condado de Harris.

Categories
Community Op-eds

HCDVCC Interviews the Candidates for District Attorney

The 2024 Election is not only important on a national level but for Harris County as well. Several races will directly affect the Criminal Justice System in Harris County, with none being as important as the race for Harris County District Attorney. According to the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Article 2.01 one of the duties of a District Attorney is” ensuring justice is done, not a conviction.”  While the District Attorney’s race is considered a “down ballot” race meaning it is on the third page of a five-page ballot it is just as important as the races on page one. The Harris County Domestic Violence Coordinating Council invited the candidates running for District Attorney, Dan Simons, and Sean Teare, to sit down for a ZOOM interview and answer six questions submitted by our community partners. The questions include issues like how they would address the lack of adequate staffing and training at the D.A.’s Office, their position on victim’s input in plea agreements, the use of risk assessments in domestic violence cases, the length of time to process a charge at D.A. Intake, cases where women kill their abusers, and the tension between Law Enforcement and the D.A’s Office.

HCDVCC would like to thank both Dan and Sean for taking time out of their busy schedules to participate. We would like to thank you for taking the time to watch and we hope this helps you make your decision on who to vote for, for Harris County District Attorney.

Both candidates agreed to be interviewed and their full interviews are below.

Interview with Dan Simons

Interview with Sean Teare

Categories
Community DVAM Sexual Assault

Domestic Violence Awareness Month – A Time for Action and Reflection

Domestic Violence Awareness Month A Time for Action and Reflection. Image is mostly purple with a white heart and a purple ribbon for DVAM
Domestic Violence Awareness Month A Time for Action and Reflection. Image is mostly purple with a white heart and a purple ribbon for DVAM

October marks Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM), a time to focus on one of the most pervasive issues facing communities across the globe. While domestic violence occurs year-round, this month offers an opportunity for concentrated efforts to raise awareness, honor victims, and mobilize communities toward change. Domestic violence affects individuals regardless of gender, sexuality, race, or socioeconomic status, and understanding its impact—especially within local contexts like Harris County—reveals the urgency for both preventive measures and survivor support.

Why Domestic Violence Awareness Month Matters

DVAM began as a way to shed light on the struggles of survivors and create a platform for discussing solutions. Domestic violence is not just physical; it encompasses emotional, psychological, and financial abuse. The month aims to create a dialogue where survivors feel supported, and the broader community is educated on identifying abuse and providing help.

According to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, 1 in 3 women and 1 in 4 men experience physical violence by an intimate partner during their lifetime. While these statistics are alarming on a national scale, they take on a more poignant meaning when viewed locally. In Harris County, the rise in intimate partner violence homicides and shelter requests underscores the critical nature of this issue.

Domestic Violence in Harris County: A Stark Reality

The Houston area has seen a concerning rise in domestic violence, particularly in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. A University of Houston study revealed that intimate partner homicides in the region doubled over a three-year period, with 64 deaths in 2022 compared to 32 in 2019. The pandemic further exacerbated the crisis, with victims finding it harder to seek shelter or leave abusive situations due to lockdowns and fear of contracting COVID-19.

Shelters in Harris County are also under tremendous strain. Despite a growing need, the county only has 330 shelter beds for survivors, while a city like New York, which has twice the population, offers over 3,500 beds. The lack of sufficient housing is a critical barrier to leaving abusive relationships. In 2022, more than 1,300 households in Harris County requested housing due to domestic violence, showing the demand far outstrips the available resources.

Moreover, the demographics of intimate partner violence in the county reveal disparities. While women are the majority of victims, Black women represent 52% of female intimate partner homicides, though they account for only 20% of the female population. These figures show a troubling overrepresentation of violence against Black women, which requires specific community engagement and tailored solutions.

Raising Awareness and Mobilizing Support

DVAM is more than just a time to raise awareness; it’s a call to action. Local organizations, including the Harris County Domestic Violence Coordinating Council (HCDVCC), work tirelessly year-round to support survivors and prevent violence, but they need community engagement to effect lasting change. HCDVCC leads efforts such as increasing access to shelter, housing, and comprehensive survivor services, but like many organizations, they remain underfunded. The University of Houston’s report recommended a $1 million per year investment in domestic violence services over five years to address these gaps.

One of the key messages during DVAM is the importance of understanding the signs of abuse. Domestic violence often starts subtly, with emotional manipulation or financial control, before escalating into physical violence. Recognizing these signs early can prevent abuse from worsening. Community members can play a vital role as active bystanders—offering support to those in need and providing resources like hotline numbers or shelter information.

The Ripple Effect of Domestic Violence

The impact of domestic violence extends beyond the immediate victim. Children exposed to domestic violence are more likely to experience emotional trauma, which can have long-term psychological effects, including anxiety, depression, and even perpetuating the cycle of abuse as adults. Economic abuse is also prevalent, with many victims trapped in financially dependent relationships that make leaving even more challenging.

These ripple effects mean that domestic violence is not just a personal issue—it’s a public health crisis. Supporting victims through affordable housing, legal advocacy, and mental health services is critical. Harris County’s public health initiatives, in collaboration with local agencies, aim to address these intersections of violence and public health by promoting equity and providing resources to underserved populations.

How You Can Help

Domestic Violence Awareness Month offers numerous opportunities to get involved and support survivors. Here are some ways you can make a difference:

  • Educate Yourself: Understanding the signs of domestic violence and how to provide support is the first step. Attend local workshops or virtual training sessions on recognizing abuse.
  • Volunteer or Donate: Local shelters and organizations often rely on donations and volunteer work. Whether it’s your time or financial contributions, every bit helps.
  • Speak Up: If you suspect someone is experiencing domestic violence, reach out to them in a non-judgmental way. Let them know they are not alone and provide them with resources such as the National Domestic Violence Hotline (1-800-799-SAFE).
  • Advocate for Policy Change: Local and national policies play a significant role in how survivors are supported and how perpetrators are held accountable. Advocacy at the local level can lead to better funding for shelters and legal services.

Moving Beyond Awareness

As we recognize Domestic Violence Awareness Month, it’s important to remember that this issue doesn’t go away when October ends. For many survivors, every day is a fight for safety and healing. Community members, local organizations, and policymakers must continue working toward solutions that address the root causes of domestic violence and provide the necessary support systems for survivors.

The path forward involves acknowledging the complex nature of domestic violence—addressing not only the physical harm but also the emotional, financial, and psychological abuse that often go unnoticed. Together, we can create a safer community where everyone has access to healthy, violence-free relationships.

By promoting awareness, offering support, and fostering community-wide engagement, Domestic Violence Awareness Month can be a catalyst for change. However, the work must continue year-round to ensure that survivors receive the support they need, and future violence is prevented.

Categories
Community Share Crime Victims

Commissioners Court

Greetings Advocates, Survivors, Stakeholders, & Community Members!

We have an ACTION ALERT we would like to share!  We would love for you to join us in speaking and/or showing up at Commissioner’s Court on Tuesday September 10 in support of the budget to continue Domestic Violence Assistance Funds.

We are thrilled that Harris County is recognizing the value of this important fund for survivors, and we are beyond grateful that Commissioners are considering the continuation of this assistance.  This is exciting news for our county, and we need YOUR HELP to make sure we voice our support for this fund!

If you’ve never provided public comment to Commissioners Court on an issue before, never fear!  Here are some important things to consider when signing up and in using your voice/making your statement:

Comments are restricted to 1 minute, so it’s helpful to write out what you’d like to say beforehand to ensure you adhere to the time given.  Public comment is generally provided at the beginning of the session, and registered names are called one at a time.

  • The Meeting Location – Commissioners Court meetings are held in-person at:  1001 Preston, 1st Floor, Houston, TX 77002 and meetings start at 10:00 am.  We hope to have quite a few folks sign up to speak, so please be prepared to stay for a while.  And even if you don’t feel comfortable providing comment, showing up will also be important!  We’d love for folks to fill the room – especially dressed in purple  to show our support.  Never discount the visual of a room full of people who took time out of their busy schedules and day to make sure their elected official sees and/or hears from them.  There is power in that!
  • What to Say – if you don’t know your Commissioner, you can find out by looking at the precinct maps here – Harris County Commissioner Court Precincts (harriscountytx.gov).

If you live in Harris County, it would be great to state who your Commissioner is as you begin your comments.  An example of this could go as follows:

Hello.  My name is ____________, and I live in Pct. ____________.  I am here today to voice my support for the Domestic Violence Assistance Funds because_____________________.

If you don’t live in Harris County, no worries!  Your comments will still be important because you WORK and/or provide service to survivors in Harris County.  So, an example of your statement could go as follows:

Hello.  My name is ____________, and I work for Harris County Domestic Violence Coordinating Council.  I am here to voice my support for the Domestic Violence Assistance Funds because______________.

And the because will be important!  AND there is so much to say here that will be valuable!  For instance – If you have a specific story of a survivor you’d like to share (with the survivor’s permission), please do.  If you want to share how these funds made you feel in being able to do your work, please do!  If you want to talk about how proud you are of our county in recognizing the need for this additional support and really listening to what is working for our area, please do!  If you want to give a history lesson of how dv/ipv has been a longstanding epidemic in our community that has been under resourced and under funded for a very long time, please do!  The sky is the limit on what you could say and share!  And remember – first rule of advocacy especially in an area that you know so well – YOU ARE THE EXPERT ON THIS! Don’t let their position or “status” make you feel like you don’t know what you are talking about or that what you say isn’t valuable.

WE THE PEOPLE… 😊

Categories
Community IPV and LGBTQIA Pride Month

Domestic Violence in the LGBTQIA Community: A Hidden Crisis 

June is Pride Month, a time to celebrate the diversity and resilience of the LGBTQIA community. However, it is also an important moment to acknowledge and address the significant challenges faced by this community, including domestic violence. Understanding the unique dynamics and statistics surrounding intimate partner violence (IPV) in the LGBTQIA community is crucial for effective prevention and support. 

 Statistics and Trends 

Domestic violence in the LGBTQIA community is a pervasive issue that often goes underreported and underacknowledged. Nationally, research shows that 43.8% of lesbian women and 61.1% of bisexual women have experienced rape, physical violence, and/or stalking by an intimate partner at some point in their lives. For gay and bisexual men, the rates are 26% and 37.3%, respectively. These rates are significantly higher than those reported by heterosexual individuals, indicating a troubling disparity. 

 In Houston and Harris County, Texas, the situation reflects broader national trends. Domestic violence homicides have increased sharply in recent years, with intimate partner violence homicides in the area doubling from 32 in 2019 to 64 in 2022. The increase in calls to shelters and domestic violence hotlines also highlights the growing need for resources and support for victims in the region. 

Why It Happens 

Several factors contribute to the high rates of domestic violence in the LGBTQIA community: 

 

  • Stigma and Discrimination: LGBTQIA individuals often face societal stigma and discrimination, which can isolate them and make it harder to seek help. 
  • Lack of Support Services: Many domestic violence services are not equipped to handle the unique needs of LGBTQIA individuals, leading to a lack of accessible and appropriate resources. 
  • Internalized Homophobia/Biphobia/Transphobia: Internalized negative beliefs about one’s own LGBTQIA identity can contribute to staying in an abusive relationship. 
  • Outing as a Threat: Abusers may threaten to “out” their partners to family, friends, or employers as a form of control. 

Who Is More Frequently Affected 

Certain groups within the LGBTQIA community are more vulnerable to domestic violence: 

 

  1. Transgender Individuals: Transgender people, particularly transgender women of color, experience disproportionately high rates of violence and homicide. 
  1. Bisexual Individuals: Bisexual individuals often face abuse from both same-sex and different-sex partners. 
  1. Youth: LGBTQIA youth are at higher risk of experiencing dating violence, often compounded by lack of family support. 

Tips for Victims of Intimate Partner Violence 

  • Reach Out for Help: Contact local LGBTQIA-friendly domestic violence organizations and hotlines. In Houston, the Montrose Center provides specialized services for LGBTQIA individuals facing domestic violence. 
  • Create a Safety Plan: Develop a plan that includes safe places to go, people you can call, and important items to take if you need to leave an abusive situation quickly. 
  • Document the Abuse: Keep a record of incidents, including dates, times, and descriptions of the abuse. This can be useful for legal action or obtaining protective orders. 
  • Seek Legal Protection: Obtain a protective order if necessary. Legal services are available to help navigate this process. 
  • Therapy and Support Groups: Engage in therapy or support groups that cater to LGBTQIA individuals to receive emotional support and validation. 

Addressing domestic violence in the LGBTQIA community requires a multifaceted approach that includes increasing awareness, improving access to resources, and fostering an environment where victims feel safe and supported to seek help. During Pride Month, and beyond, it is essential to continue advocating for the rights and safety of all individuals within the LGBTQIA community. 

For more information on resources and support in the Houston area, you can visit the Montrose Center’s website. 

Our Mission:
To improve Harris County’s response to domestic violence, we lead efforts to build collaborative systems and innovative programs that increase access to services and safety.
Our Vision:
We envision a community where all persons have relationships that are safe, healthy, and free from domestic violence.
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