fbpx
What's NEW!
Donate Here
Community Meetings
Newsletter Sign Up

Category: Op-eds

Articles written in reponse to news articles or news stories

Categories
Op-eds Title IX

Using a Privilege Lens in Active Bystander Training

When I began working at Rice University 5 years ago, I learned about how important bystander intervention is within college campus communities. Preventing violence is a community issue and ultimately everyone’s responsibility. Bystander Intervention is based on the philosophy that everyone can learn to safely intervene in potentially harmful situations and speak out against violence, as well as challenge social and cultural norms that perpetuate violence.

At Rice, when we teach about this topic, we make sure that participants understand that intervening is not just about stopping a physical or sexual assault while it is occurring. The likelihood of any of us happening upon one of these incidents is much less likely than other types of incidents. We must understand that behaviors we also need to pay attention to and intervene in include language and jokes that are used to harm (possibly unintentionally) and these often precede physical violence and desensitize us.

Another important component of bystander intervention training is to include information on privilege. Upon doing research, we initially learned that everyone in the community can be an active bystander for any situation. However, such an approach can overlook the impact of the complexity of a person’s’ intersecting identities, including their race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity, nation, age, and social class. It is difficult and often a safety risk for marginalized communities to intervene in potentially violent situations, especially if the potential active bystander is part of the same group as the person/people being targeted.

We challenge active bystanders to consider their privilege in all situations, and if needed, use that privilege to intervene. Here are some examples that we ask participants to consider. Can you reject someone and not worry about being threatened with degrading language or physical violence? Often, female/feminine identified people cannot. Can you be affectionate with a partner in public without fear? Often, the LGBTQ+ community cannot. Do you ever worry about being treated as if you are out to harm someone just based on the color of your skin? Often, persons of color do. If you do not experience one of these fears, that means that you have privilege in that situation, and it may be your turn to speak up and take action.

Whether you work on a college campus or in another community setting, we all have a responsibility to learn about and share about the importance of being an active bystander. We must start from within and increase our awareness about our privileges, and then educate our family, social circles, and systems, including oppressive structures.

About the Author

Cathryn Councill Headshot

Cathryn Councill is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and works at Rice University. She is the Director of The SAFE Office, where they focus on education and student support around issues related to interpersonal violence. She also facilitates the LGBTQ+ Ally Training on campus and acts as the staff advisor for the undergraduate peer support/education program as well. She has extensive experience working in the field of domestic and sexual violence, including as case manager, therapist, educator, and group facilitator. She has also provided support to persons living with HIV, those experiencing drug and alcohol addiction, and to the LGBTQ+ community.
Cathryn’s favorite things include being in or near water, all animals and pets, unconditional empathy, rainbows, chai lattes, and her lovely wife.

Categories
Community Share Op-eds Sexual Assault

Harris County Domestic Violence Partners are Working Together

“Law enforcement efforts alone will not sufficiently address the symptoms of crime. We are faced with a public health crisis, and it will require all of us, working together to overcome it.

This is a public health crisis and as a City, we will and must address the crisis through law enforcement, public health practitioners and community partners working together.

NO ONE CAN ESCAPE ACCOUNTABLILITY.

With the collaboration of all stakeholders, including business owners, faith-based leaders, and organizations that work with those experiencing family violence and mental illness, I am confident that we will reduce violence and emerge as One Resilient City-One Unified City-One Safe Houston.”

Mayor Sylvester Turner (February 2, 2022)

Harris County Domestic Violence Partners are Working Together

Harris County has experienced an increase in the severity of violence in domestic violence cases and a spike in domestic violence murders over the last few years. The pandemic brought unprecedented challenges with deep impacts to safety and wellness to Harris County residents, especially those impacted by domestic violence. “I am grateful to ALL the community partners, and law enforcement agencies, for working together with the Houston Police Department’s Major Assaults & Family Violence Division, Family Violence Unit allowing us to continue to do everything we can to make sure Houstonians are safe. I want to thank the Harris County Domestic Violence Coordinating Council (HCDVCC) the Harris County District Attorney’s Office- Domestic Violence Division (HCDA-DVD) and Aid to Victims of Abuse (AVDA) to name a few, who have worked tirelessly during this crisis.” Lt. Kira Webster, Major Assaults and Family Violence Division, Family Violence Unit.

HCDVCC began hosting Family Violence Investigators Alliance Meeting in 2013. The Investigators Alliance was a recommendation that came out of the Community Safety Assessment of Law Enforcement Services in Harris County that HCDVCC conducted in 2011-2012. This allowed Family Violence Investigators from across the County to meet on a quarterly basis with each other and the Harris County District Attorney’s Office. As a result of the relationships formed at the Alliance and to provide a coordinated community response to domestic violence during the pandemic, leadership from HCDVCC, HCDA-DVD and the Family Violence Units from the Harris County Sheriff’s Office and the Houston and Pasadena Police Departments began weekly ZOOM meetings. The weekly meetings allowed for real time conversations related to the isolating parents and children in their homes, while separating potential victims from the network of friends, neighbors, teachers, and other individuals capable of reporting the signs of abuse and helping those at risk escape a dangerous environment. Our conversations confirmed with crime analysis that the pandemic isolating impacts increased the risk and severity of the injury for domestic violence victims. In the early days of the pandemic, the meetings produced a poster campaign to outreach in areas of town with a high rate of domestic violence. These posters were placed in apartment complexes, grocery, and convenience stores in those areas with information on how to get help. These weekly meetings continue today and not only have been beneficial in discussing cases, trends and gaps but have become almost a support group for those who attend.

Harris County is working on prevention of violence and access to essential services, such as justice and policing, social services, helplines and coordination of these services, to provide support to those who experience and witness violence.

Domestic violence is one of the most common crimes to which law enforcement respond; yet it is often misunderstood. By understanding what domestic violence is, what best practices are when responding, and what resources exist to support their work, law enforcement can build the skills, capacity, and comfort to address these crimes and those involved with expertise and care.

One of the priorities, recently identified at the weekly meetings, was the need for updated and on-going training for investigators. On May 25th, HCDVCC partnered with AVDA to provide an 8-hour Texas Commission on Law Enforcement Course #3901 in person training for investigators from HPD, HCSO, PPD HCDA and several Constable’s Offices on Domestic Violence. The topics covered the dynamics of intimate partner violence with an emphasis on common victim and perpetrator experiences and behaviors; sexual assault, stalking, animal abuse, and strangulation in the context of intimate partner violence; protective order enforcement and violations protocols; immigration law and the impact of traumatic events and complexities of the manifestation of trauma. Overall, the investigators provided positive feedback regarding the training with one investigator stating, “Training was excellent in explaining multiple versions of domestic violence and how it related to the entire community-very informative in all areas.”

We are grateful that we can continue to have successful collaborations that provide a coordinated community response to address the ongoing crisis of domestic violence in Harris County.

About the Authors

Pic of Deputy Director Amy Smith
Amy Smith
Senior Director of Communications & Operations,
Harris County Domestic Violence Coordinating Council

Lieutenant Kira Webster
Houston Police Department
Major Assaults & Family Violence Division
Harris County Domestic Violence Coordinating Council Member- Intimate Partner Death Review; Harris County High Risk Team; Harris County Policy Working Group; Harris County Law Enforcement Weekly Check-In & Harris County Strangulation Task Force

Categories
Op-eds

IPV and Women’s Wellness: Toward Enhancing Survivor Support

Intersection of TBI and IPV in Harris County

Intimate partner violence (IPV) is abuse by current or former intimate partners, and it exists in many forms (Breiding et al., 2015). The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) defines and assesses five types of IPV including sexual violence, physical violence, stalking, psychological aggression, and control of reproductive or sexual health (Black et al., 2011). IPV is a prevalent health crisis among women. In the United States, approximately 1 in 5 women experience severe physical abuse by intimate partners. Further, severe physical abuse and violence by intimate partners can be a precursor to homicide. The CDC finds that murder is one of the leading causes of death for women 44 years and older (Center for Disease Control and Prevention, n.d.). Moreover, the stay-at-home orders during the COVID-19 pandemic have increased the concern about the prevalence and lethality of IPV (Kaukinen, 2020; Wood et al., 2020).
The ubiquity of IPV has led researchers to identify the impact of IPV. Numerous studies consistently find that IPV can have lasting impacts on women’s wellness (Becker et al., 2010; Campbell, 2002; Coker et al., 2000; Valera & Kucyi, 2017). For example, chronic health problems and central nervous system issues such as fainting and seizures, as well as traumatic brain injury can arise as a result of IPV-related injuries and trauma (Campbell, 2002; Valera & Kucyi, 2017). Most women who have suffered from physical and/or sexual abuse by their intimate partners do not present with obvious injuries. However, when injuries exist, battered women are more likely to present physical injuries to their head, face, neck, thorax, breasts, and abdomen (Campbell, 2002). IPV has also been associated with cardiac and gastrointestinal disorders (Campbell, 2002). Women of sexual violence are also at risk for sexually transmitted infections such as HIV, trichomonas, and gonorrhea (Gaensslen & Lee, 2001).

While much of the existing research focuses on the physical consequences of IPV, the effects of emotional and psychological abuse by intimate partners can also be damaging. Mental health consequences of IPV can linger long after physical wounds heal. Depression and post-traumatic stress syndrome (PTSD) are two of the most commonly reported mental health consequences of IPV (Black et al, 2011; Breiding et al., 2015). Women are also at risk for suicidal ideation after IPV (Campbell, 2002). In efforts to cope with the trauma of IPV, women may engage in maladaptive methods including drug and alcohol abuse (Campbell, 2002).
Though recent estimates of IPV emphasize its prevalence and negative consequences, violence against women, especially violence committed by intimate partners, is rarely reported. Only about one-third of women report IPV to police (Akers & Kaukinen, 2009). Given the significant gap between victimization and reporting, as well as the impact of violence against women, researchers and policymakers have attempted to understand the nature of IPV and develop strategies to adequately support survivors.

Strategies and Tips for Support Providers

After experiencing abuse, women may seek help from informal networks, such as family, friends, and coworkers. They may also seek formal help from police, medical personnel, or advocacy agencies. Service providers’ treatment of survivors can influence survivors’ well-being and their downstream decisions to seek further help if needed. For example, when survivors experience blaming attitudes and mistreatment by support providers, they may become retraumatized and withdraw from seeking help. This puts survivors at risk for exacerbated negative physical, mental, and emotional outcomes and revictimization.
Accordingly, support providers should consider implementing the following recommendations to adequately meet survivors’ needs. First, when survivors seek help, their needs may be multi-layered. For example, they may need shelter, treatment for physical injuries, and emotional support. Therefore, advocacy agencies, police, and medical personnel should collaborate in assisting survivors with multiple needs. Second, culturally-sensitive and survivor-centered responses are critical to appropriately respond to women’s needs from various racial-ethnic backgrounds. Thus, support providers should consider the intersections of race, socioeconomic class, sexuality, and IPV when women seek help to promote positive rapport building and engagement with survivors from different backgrounds. Importantly, this knowledge can assist support providers in addressing survivors’ explicitly and implicitly stated needs. Not least, support providers should engage in outreach services. These efforts are essential to providing education to the community about the prevalence and impact of IPV as well as available resources. Outreach endeavors also actively demonstrate agencies’ commitment to serving their communities which is important for establishing and maintaining community trust.

Conclusion

IPV is a ubiquitous health crisis with lasting physical, mental, and emotional consequences. Though formal assistance for IPV is underutilized, survivors can experience positive health outcomes when they seek help. Therefore, support agents should collaborate to provide holistic care for survivors while utilizing culturally-sensitive and trauma-informed practices. Support providers should also extend their services to outreach endeavors to educate and build community relations.

REFERENCES

Akers, C., & Kaukinen, C. (2009). The police reporting behavior of intimate partner violence victims. Journal of Family Violence, 24(3), 159-171.

Becker, K. D., Stuewig, J., & McCloskey, L. A. (2010). Traumatic stress symptoms of women exposed to different forms of childhood victimization and intimate partner violence. Journal of Interpersonal Violence, 25, 1699-1715.

Black, M. C., Basile, K. C., Breiding, M. J., Smith, S. G., Walters, M. L., Merrick, M. T., . . .Stevens, M. R. (2011). The national intimate partner and sexual violence survey (NISVS): 2010 summary report. Atlanta, GA: National Center for Injury Prevention and Control, Center for Disease Control and Prevention.

Breiding, M., Basile, K. C., Smith, S. G., Black, M. C., & Mahendra, R. R. (2015). Intimate partner violence surveillance: Uniform definitions and recommended data elements, Version 2.0. Atlanta (GA): National Center for Injury Prevention and Control, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Campbell, J. C. (2002). Health consequences of intimate partner violence. The Lancet, 359(9314), 1331-1336.

Center for Disease Control and Prevention (n.d.). Fast Facts: Preventing Intimate Partner Violence. https://www.cdc.gov/violenceprevention/intimatepartnerviolence/fastfact.html

Coker, A. L., Smith, P. H., Bethea, L., King, M. R., & McKeown, R. E. (2000). Physical health consequences of physical and psychological intimate partner violence. Archives of Family Medicine, 9, 451-457.

Gaensslen, R. E., & Lee, H. C. (2001). Sexual assault evidence: National assessment and guidebook. National Institute of Justice, Washington DC, USA.

Kaukinen, C. (2020). When stay-at-home orders leave victims unsafe at home: Exploring the risk and consequences of intimate partner violence during the COVID-19 pandemic. American Journal of Criminal Justice, 45(4), 668-679.

Valera, E., & Kucyi, A. (2017). Brain injury in women experiencing intimate partner-violence: neural mechanistic evidence of an “invisible” trauma. Brain imaging and behavior, 11(6), 1664-1677.

Wood, L., Schrag, R. V., Baumler, E., Hairston, D., Guillot-Wright, S., Torres, E., & Temple, J. R. (2020). On the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic: Occupational experiences of the intimate partner violence and sexual assault workforce. Journal of Interpersonal Violence, 1-22.

About the Author

Dr. Shamika M. Kelley is the research director at Texas Forensic Nurse Examiners – The Forensic Center of Excellence where she creates and implements a structured research agenda focusing on the needs of crime victims and criminal justice stakeholders to enhance support and case processing. She received her doctoral degree in Criminal Justice from Sam Houston State University. Her research focuses on survivors’, criminal-legal, and medical responses to sexual assault with special attention to survivors of Color.

Her work appears in Crime & Delinquency, Journal of Interpersonal Violence and Journal of Police and Criminal Psychology. She is also a forensic DNA consultant who provides forensic reports, DNA reviews, and expert testimony in criminal cases. Shamika was recently awarded the American Society of Criminology, Division on Women and Crime’s Saltzman Award for Contributions to Practice, which recognizes a criminologist whose professional accomplishments have increased the quality of justice and the level of safety for women.

Categories
Legacies Op-eds

End of an Era

Susan Denise Hastings has been a fixture in the Katy Community for over 30 years. We here at HCDVCC, have known Susan and her outstanding dedication to helping domestic violence and sexual assault survivors and their families for over 20 years. Susan has been instrumental in the growth of Katy Christian Ministries Crisis Center. She has been a steady hand at the helm for many years and has overseen its growth into the Center it is today. Susan has also been active on several HCDVCC Committees including the Policy Committee and the Legal Services Committee. We know we can always count on Susan and KCM’s help when we needed it. I do not recall a time Susan ever said no it was more like “Well, let me see what we can do.”

As of April 1st, Susan has closed the book on her time with Katy Christian Ministries and is moving on to a life of rest and relaxation to quote her she has “gone fishing!” We wish Susan and her husband Bill, the best retirement. And knowing Susan we will be seeing her pop up occasionally, because she just can’t sit still!

Thank you, Susan, for everything you have done for so many survivors and their families. Thank you to Susan’s family for letting us spend some time with her. And I would like to say Susan- thank you for your support and kindness through the years. You are one of a kind and will be greatly missed but you are leaving the ship in good hands with Celina Wells!

About the Author

Pic of Deputy Director Amy Smith
Amy Smith is the Sr. Director of Operations and Communications of HCDVCC.
Categories
Community Share Op-eds Sexual Assault

April National Sexual Assault Awareness Month 2022

“On a journey to figure out what I am called to do with the story that has become my family’s story. One thing I know is that I must play my part to bring change.”

Founder of Project Beloved – Tracy Matheson – Molly Jane’s Momma.

Tracy Matheson founded Project Beloved in what she often refers to the aftermath of what she calls “a parent’s worst nightmare.” On April 10, 2017, in Fort Worth, Texas; Molly Matheson at 22 years old had not reported for work concerned Tracy went to Molly’s apartment to discover Molly had been raped, strangled and murdered. Less than two weeks later, in Plano, Texas, Megan Getrum who had been hiking at the Nature Preserve body was discovered deceased in Lake Ray Hubbard. Kimbro has a history of sexual violence and strangulation with charges pending from 2014; he was indicted on one charge of aggravated sexual assault in 2017 related to that case. Authorities charged Kimbro with capital murder for killing Molly.

Serial Killer/Rapist Sentenced to Life in Prison Without Parole – Guilty; Guilty; Guilty; Guilty; Guilty; Guilty.

Update: On March 18, 2022: Reginald Kimbro pleaded guilty to the 2017 killings of Molly Matheson of Fort Worth and Megan Getrum of Plano as well as three sexual assaults in Collin County from 2012 to 2014 and an aggravated sexual assault in Cameron County. All four victims described being drugged, strangled and raped. All four women were prepared to testify against Kimbro at trial.

Kimbro, 28, was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole in connection with the rape and murder of Molly Jane Matheson. Molly and Reginald dated in college but not been in a relationship for years. Kimbro was also sentenced to life without the possibility of parole in the rape and murder of 36-year-old Megan Getrum — she was a stranger to him. Kimbro was sentenced to 20 years in the Plano case, life in the South Padre case, 20 years in the Allen case and 20 years in the McKinney case.

Molly Jane’s Law creates statewide database to track repeat sex offenders in Texas.
In 2019, David and Tracy Matheson pushed to get Molly Jane’s Law passed in the Texas Legislature. It requires law enforcement to input suspect information into a national database.

May 29, 2019, Governor Greg Abbott signed HB 3106, and it became known as Molly Jane’s Law in the state of Texas, effective September 1, 2019. Molly Jane’s Law allows law enforcement agencies in Texas to communicate with one another through the use of ViCAP, which is administered by the FBI.

Working Together – We need everyone if we are going to make a difference

Law enforcement alone cannot provide all the needed support and resources to victim/survivors of sexual assault and domestic violence; it takes partnerships

HPD is proud to partner with Molly Jane’s Momma; Tracy Matheson, founder of Project Beloved a non-profit organization to install soft interview rooms for the investigations of sexual assault and domestic violence.

March 14, 2022, Monday of spring break-Tracy and her son Max installed Project Beloved Soft Interview Room #42 at our HPD Family Violence Unit to facilitate a trauma informed response funded by #HEBHelpingHere.

Project Beloved put so much care into creating a comfortable space, which includes:

  • Comfortable chairs that swivel-movement can be soothing for a survivor
  • Alternate light sources to use instead of, or in addition to, overhead lighting
  • A diffuser with lavender essential oil as a calming scent if survivor would like
  • A weighted blanket and a soft, cozy blanket (washable)
  • Stress balls to give the survivor something to hold in their hands to help relax
  • Photographic art on the walls, taken by Megan

The soft interview room will have the single purpose of providing a safe and comfortable place for survivors to share their experiences of abuse and assault.

HPD shares Project Beloved’s vision, “A world where survivors of sexual assault and domestic violence are heard and believed, perpetrators are prosecuted and justice is service.”

We need everyone if we are going to change the conversation about sexual assault and domestic violence.

To watch a powerful and moving Victim Impact Statement Molly Jane’s mother Tracy Matheson gave at the defendant’s sentencing click on the link:

Each life lost, and their families-matter-they continue to be remembered, and that they contribute to the demand for change

Molly Jane Matheson
May 18, 1994 – April 10, 2017

Project Beloved was founded to bring light, Molly Jane’s light, to the darkness which followed after her rape and murder.

Megan Gutrum September 12, 1980 – April 15, 2017 Project Beloved honors the legacy of Megan Getrum and her spirt of adventure as revealed in the photographs on the walls.

About the Author

Lieutenant Kira Webster
Houston Police Department
Major Assaults & Family Violence Division
Harris County Domestic Violence Coordinating Council Member- Intimate Partner Death Review; Harris County High Risk Team; Harris County Policy Working Group; Harris County Law Enforcement Weekly Check-In & Harris County Strangulation Task Force

Categories
Black History Month Community Share Legacies Op-eds

Sharing is Empowering

Brenda Sykes is the first Black CEO for Bay Area Turning Point

Editor’s Note:

Last week I facilitated a training and some of my key takeaways were:

100% were not aware of who the Harris County Domestic Violence Coordinating was.

100% were not able to identify the local domestic/sexual violence programs available to survivors.

99% had never heard of Adverse Child Experiences.

50% were using the Danger Assessment, however, did not know it was called a Danger Assessment or the entire purpose of completing the assessment with a survivor.

Over the years there are other lessons I have learned from the audiences that I train, including law enforcement agencies, healthcare providers, victim service advocates, educators, and other members of the coordinated community response model. These lessons reinforce the importance of ongoing training and communication. Yes, I also have learned and continue to learn new information, as I often say to myself- I cannot believe I did not know that.

Here is a challenge, periodically assess your organization and especially your direct services teams on their basic knowledge regarding domestic/sexual violence, do they know why they do the things they do, and the resources available to assist survivors. You can do this through assessments, games, one on ones, check-ins, etc.

Why do this? Because there are women, children, and men depending on our level of knowledge and ability to find out the information so they can be safer and healthier.

Collaboration includes providing information about our work to other members of the coordinated community response team so that we can identify gaps and fill them. Is your organization coordinating training and information sessions with other programs such as the local crisis center hosting an information session with Child Protective Services to share your services and to learn more about how cases are handled or law enforcement hosting community conversations and inviting other victim service programs to share how the domestic violence/sexual violence case is handled and hearing from the other agencies about how client experiences have been with law enforcement?

What’s in your toolbox? Let’s share so everyone is in the loop.

About the Author

HCDVCC Director of Training,
Thecia Jenkins

Categories
Op-eds TBI

The Intersection of TBI and IPV in Harris County

Intersection of TBI and IPV in Harris County

According to the Brain Injury Association of America, approximately 67% of women who experience domestic violence also have symptoms of traumatic brain injury. It is important that programs screen for TBI and also encourage law enforcement and healthcare partners to do the same.

Our Senior Program Director, Abeer Monem shares below facts about traumatic brain injury:

TBI as a result of head injury(ies) and/or strangulation, suffered at the hands of the perpetrator, can be mild to severe and cause many detrimental effects that impede the pursuit of safety and economic stability. Examples of the devastating cognitive effects of TBI that would clearly be impediments to obtaining and/or maintaining employment and, thus, economic stability, are as follows:

– Decreased concentration, attention span

– Difficulties with executive functioning (goal setting, self monitoring, planning, ability to solve problems, learn and organizing tasks)

– Memory loss

– Difficulty displaying appropriate emotional/communication responses

– May appear disorganized and impulsive

– Difficulty spelling, writing, and reading

– Difficulty understanding written or spoken communication

– Difficulty feeling initiative, sustaining motivation

– Depression

There are also behavioral and physical effects that include:

– Changes in behavior, personality or temperament

– Increased aggression and/or anxiety

– Decreased or increased inhibitions

– Quickly agitated or saddened

– Changes in emotional expression (flat, non-emotional, inappropriate or overreactions)

– Avoidance of people, family, friends

– Difficulty sleeping

– Increased irritability or impatience

– Hearing loss

– Headaches, neck pain

– Nausea and vomiting

– Changes in vision

– Ringing or buzzing in ears

– Dizziness, difficulty balancing

– Decrease in, or loss of, smell or taste

– Decreased coordination

– Loss of bowel or bladder control

– Increased sensitivity to noise or bright lights

– Seizures

– Weakness or numbness

A woman with a TBI who enters the criminal justice or family law system may face additional challenges. She may appear to be disorganized, aggressive, temperamental or confused. If her behaviors are misunderstood or misdiagnosed as indicating a mental health disability, which often happens, she may have difficulty obtaining custody or being credible as a victim or reliable witness.

Maricopa County, Arizona (Phoenix area) has paved the way for our county to incorporate their innovative approach to Harris county’s law enforcement response to an IPV incident.

· Officers and detectives do not limit testing to strangulation or sexual assault cases but offer ConQVerge Near Point Convergence (NPC) testing to all IPV victims reporting head trauma.

· Social workers and advocates assumed a larger role in testing and guiding victims through the process.

· Concussion information will be given out at the scene by nurses, officers, advocates an social workers as a part of an awareness campaign on the dangers of TBI for IPV survivors.

Why can’t we do something similar in Harris County? What are the possibilities that can be reality and really address the impact of IPV in Harris County?

• Add TBI screen questions Strangulation supplement that officers already complete?

• Establish concussion protocol when law enforcement responds to an IPV incident? Use advocates or forensic nurses to conduct the concussion protocol?

• Develop neurofeedback program – the only evidence-based treatment option – for our survivors to give them a chance to truly recover from the debilitating impact of head trauma?

• Develop a coordinated care system so no matter where the touch point for a survivor is, they receive the care they need after head trauma resulting from IPV?

 

For more information, please contact Abeer Monem.

About the Author

Abeer Monem is the Director of Housing and Innovative Services for HCDVCC and has worked in the field of domestic violence for over 25 years in both Harris and Fort Bend counties as a domestic violence advocate, trainer and programs director.

Categories
Black History Month Community Share Legacies Op-eds

Brenda Sykes is the first Black CEO for Bay Area Turning Point

Brenda Sykes is the first Black CEO for Bay Area Turning Point

Editor’s Note:

About fifteen years ago I began facilitating training on cultural competence as a contract trainer for Texas Council on Family Violence, it was a great opportunity to travel, share and learn throughout the state of Texas with crisis centers, law enforcement and other social service programs.

I have witnessed the evolution of this movement as the conversations have grown and are producing change in how this work is being done. Have we arrived yet, no, however change is happening.

One of those changes is looking at who is leading the work. There are men who are now a the leadership table and as we observe Black History Month; there are women of color (BIPOC) that are at the leadership table. This week help the Harris County Domestic Violence Coordinating Council celebrate the newest Chief Executive Officer, Brenda Sykes of Bay Area Turning Point; she is the agency’s first Black CEO.

Below is an interview with Brenda Sykes . . .

How domestic/sexual violence organizations can benefit when lead by individuals from underserved communities?

Within the next 20-30 years, Harris County’s demographics majority will be People of Color (POC). The data alone reflects the need to address various disparities ranging from access to education up to domestic violence and sexual assault services. Education of and lack of access to services relative to Domestic/sexual violence for POC looks drastically different from non-POC. POC view law enforcement, experiences of the criminal justice system, and the lack of POC in leadership roles as factors that prevent seeking services. Leaders in this movement who are POC can elevate the voices of the most underserved of an already uniquely underserved population. I am a black woman who addresses the need of ALL survivors; I am in a unique position to make a change at a local, regional, and state level as Advocates of Color and survivors of Color have a vocal, informed, and ally in elevating their needs. Leading a DV/SA organization connects my team and me to community leaders and stakeholders to influence change. And I am here for it!

Why are allies important?

Allies are essential assets in this work, as it cannot be effectively done without a united effort. Working in silos is not beneficial to anyone, especially those in need of services. Allyship allows conversations and promotes healing.

What do you hope your legacy will be?

I hope my legacy will be . . . To leave Bay Area Turning Point in a better position to serve those in need due to changes I, along with my peers and my team, have made so that my immediate area and beyond are greater for those contributions.

Thank you, Brenda 💜

About the Author

HCDVCC Director of Training,
Thecia Jenkins

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.
CN_Logo_Main250x83
Untitled design (32)

Follow Us

Facebook Instagram Linkedin

Links

Weekly Newsletter