FREE TRAINING FOR COMMUNITY MEMBERS IN HONOR
OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AWARENESS MONTH
TOPICS INCLUDE:
➡️Dynamics of Domestic Violence
➡️Elder Abuse
➡️TX-DFPS Reporting
➡️Victims Rights and Resources
➡️Forensic Medical Exam (SANE)
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.
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… 😊
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4:00 pm
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5:30 pm
CDT
Welcome to the Interfaith Community Dialogues on Domestic Violence event! Join us at United Way Houston for an insightful discussion on this important topic. This in-person event aims to bring together individuals from different faith backgrounds to share experiences, learn from each other, and work towards creating a safer community for everyone.
Domestic violence is a pervasive issue that affects individuals across all walks of life, including those within our faith communities. Studies show that 1 in 4 women and 1 in 9 men experience severe intimate partner violence at some point in their lives. Within faith communities, the prevalence of domestic violence is just as significant, yet it often remains a hidden issue.
rebeccacouncill@hcdvcc.org
“Elegance Meets Laughter” Celebrating 27 years of Legacy and Purpose. Purple Carpet Affiar VIP Cocktail Reception.
Live Music!
Gala doors open at 7:45 pm
About Fresh Spirit:
Fresh Spirit Wellness for Women, Inc (FSWW) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization founded by Dr. Conte Terrell in 1997. The organization is the oldest African American female founded non-profit organization and Agency for Domestic Violence in Harris County. FSWW assists and supports survivors who have been verbally, emotionally, physically, or sexually abused. FSWW serves as an out-care program and is open to anyone who is in search of support and healing from the toxic effects of domestic violence.
Our mission is to empower individuals impacted by the trauma of domestic violence by encouraging, educating, equipping and empowering victims/survivors confronted with unexpected challenges due to verbal, emotional, physical or sexual abuse by providing culturally appropriate, trauma informed, client centered crisis intervention services to help restore safety, peace, healing and wholeness to their lives.
Join us at United Way of Greater Houston for an evening of reflection and support. This event aims to honor survivors, remember those we have lost, and spread hope for a brighter future. Together, we can make a difference and show our solidarity with those affected by domestic violence. Together, we stand against abuse and promote healing in our community. We look forward to seeing you there!
rebeccacouncill@hcdvcc.org
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:
Who Is More Frequently Affected
Certain groups within the LGBTQIA community are more vulnerable to domestic violence:
Tips for Victims of Intimate Partner Violence
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.
May is Share Your Story Month and Mental Health Awareness Month. Combining those two topics we sent out a survey to our staff with the following questions:
1) What initially drew you to the field of non profit?
2) What motivated you to specialize in domestic violence issues specifically?
3) How do you maintain self-care and resilience while working in such a demanding and emotionally taxing field?
4) Is there anything else you’d like to share about your journey, your motivations, or your experiences in this field?
Here are their stories.
1) “I’m passionate about making a positive impact in the world and believe in the power of collective action to address social issues and create positive change. I’m also inspired by the opportunity to work towards a cause that aligns with my values and allows me to contribute to the greater good of society.”
2) “I was designed to have a understanding of various social and provide support and information on how to address them. Domestic violence is a serious problem that affects many people, and I want be able to provide accurate and helpful information to those who may be experiencing or know who is experiencing domestic violence. It’s important to raise awareness and support survivors in any way we can.”
3) “Self-care is extremely important when working in a demanding and emotionally taxing field like supporting survivors of domestic violence. It’s important to take breaks when needed, set boundaries, and practice self-care activities such as exercise, meditation, and spending time loved ones. It’s also helpful to seek support from colleagues, supervisors, or a therapist to process difficult emotions and experiences. I try to remember to prioritize my own well-being so i can continue to others effectively.”
4) “I am programmed to provide accurate and helpful information on various topics, including domestic violence. My main motivation is to assist and support individuals who may be experiencing such difficult situations. It is important to raise awareness about domestic violence and provide for those in need.”
1) “I love giving back to others. I think that it is important to all the communities.”
2) “My past experiences-first my mom’s ex and then my ex. This industry is the most overlooked and most misunderstood.”
3) “I practice self-care by spending time with family and friends, watching documentaries on TV, working out, and playing video/board games.”
1) “My journey to advocacy began with the mission of DVCC not necessarily that it was a non-profit.”
2) “My passion for domestic violence advocacy work started when I realized there are a lot of survivors but not a whole lot of quality services. Everyone deserves to live a violence free life and I want to make sure that kids that grow up in that environment don’t have to continue the cycle of abuse.”
3) “I maintain my mental health through spending time with friends who are not in the movement to take a break but the most important thing is cuddling with my dog!”
4) “My final thoughts on motivation and experiences are setting boundaries, knowing your limits and knowing when to take a break are the only things that get you through working in this high stress environment. “
1) “My journey to advocacy began with my passion for bringing about positive change and making a real difference by addressing social issues attracted me to the nonprofit field. My work is a legacy, as I know my efforts can have a lasting impact beyond my lifetime. It gives me immense satisfaction to know that I am contributing to something greater than myself and leaving a positive legacy for future generations.”
2) “My passion for domestic violence advocacy work started when entering a women’s domestic violence shelter and realizing I was the only male present was a turning point for me. Understanding the statistics surrounding domestic violence, I realized the crucial role men play in both perpetuating and addressing this issue. As a husband, father, and brother, I am inspired to challenge myself and others to become involved and specialize in domestic violence issues. By breaking stereotypes, dismantling patriarchy, promoting healthy relationships, and building empathy and compassion, men can make a significant contribution to eradicating domestic violence.”
3) “I maintain my mental health is practicing self-care and resilience is by knowing my limits and understanding that I can only control what I can control.”
4) “Making someone feel visible will increase their perceived value of you. It’s a powerful lesson I learned on my own journey, and I’ve found that it can make a huge difference in any personal or professional relationship. “
April may bring spring showers, but it also brings Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month, Child Abuse Prevention Month and Crime Victims’ Rights Week. While much will be written and many events will be planned about Sexual Assault and Child Abuse Prevention and Awareness through out this month, Crime Victim’s Rights Week always seem to get lost in the shuffle. The week of April 21st – 27th is a time to highlight and recognize the often-overlooked rights of crime victims. Crime Victims deserve our time and attention for more than just this one week, they deserve it every day of the year. This year’s theme is “Options, Services and Hope for Crime Survivors. How would you help?”
According to the Bureau of Justice Statistics in 2022 there were 6.6 million violent victimizations against persons aged 12 or older and 13.4 million property crimes. However, we also know that many survivors do not report or tell anyone what happened to them. The reasons differ from person to person but some think by sharing it will make things worse especially if it is an ongoing issue, some are fearful especially if the perpetrator is someone they know or someone they perceive as powerful, like a boss, religious leader, or an influential person. Survivors can also feel ashamed, feel like it is their fault, fear they will not be taken seriously or fear retaliation. So, the question is how would you help a crime survivor? Would you know what to do?
A few things you can do is Offer Support. Start by listening without judgement and believe them. Just be there for them and show your support by giving them your time and focusing on what they are saying. It is their story to tell, and it is their decision about how much they want to share, it is your responsibility to listen to what they are saying without interrupting, judging, or giving unsolicited advice. Their story is unique to them and can not be compared to yours or anyone else’s. Share Resources- Familiarize yourself with local resources and hotline numbers. Google what they need and share what you find. You do not need to become an expert, there are plenty of those around, but find out what they need and more importantly what they want. Just by helping them locate resources, you can help them take back some of the control they might have lost because of being a crime victim.
Do not ever underestimate the Power of Hope. By listening and offering to help, crime survivors can take the steps toward establishing their new normal. Hope is also essential to mitigating some effects of the trauma associated with being a crime victim. Let us all help a crime victim become a crime survivor.
To learn more about options, services, and hope for crime survivors as well as access material to help spread awareness of victims’ rights and resources this week and every day, visit The 2024 National Crime Victims’ Rights Week (NCVRW) Resource Guide .
