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Tag: domestic violence

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Community Community Share DVAM

The Houston Police Department gives a HUGE Shout-out of appreciation to all our partners with Houston Area Women’s Center

The Houston Police Department (HPD) is a proud and long-standing partner with the Houston Area Women’s Center (HAWC). HAWC is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing critical resources for survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault. Trained advocates are available on their 24-Hour Hotline to provide survivors with information and resources to assess their danger, make a safety plan, find shelter, and access services such as counseling and legal help.

Coordinated responses have been recognized as a best practice in reducing domestic violence since the Violence Against Women Act was enacted over 20 years ago. This is particularly effective in our community when close-knit relationships develop and highly engaged domestic violence partners come together for collaborative efforts. Over the years, current and newly assigned investigators and supervisors attended the tours at the HAWC. The HAWC tours are conducted as part of our investigative training requirement for investigators and supervisors as it is beneficial to us to be able to share resource information with the survivors. On the HAWC tours, investigators meet with HAWC professionals and get to know each other by asking questions and sharing information on how to enhance supporting survivors. When Hurricane Harvey and the pandemic hit the Houston and surrounding areas, our strong relationships and trust allowed us all to streamline efforts to support and protect survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault. When face-to-face communication was not an option, we instantly continued communicating through Zoom meetings, electronic mail, and phone calls. We are excited to resume our in-person HAWC tours again for information-sharing regarding support and resources for survivors and their families. Recently, we had thirty new investigators and supervisors added to our Family Violence Unit and Adult Sex Crimes Unit who toured HAWC. Our investigators and supervisors are passionate about ending the epidemic of domestic violence and sexual assault. Each investigator and supervisor enhanced their individual knowledge regarding resources and how best to support the recovery after such a violent crime. A huge shout out to Deputy CEO Sonia Corrales and Thank You for always welcoming and guiding us through the HAWC and how survivors navigate the processes and take steps to recover from the violence. Also, we were joined by Director of Residential Services Pamela Ellis, Manager of Legal Service Jacklyn Guerra and Director of Violence Prevention and Training Michelle Sacks who are all hardworking dedicated professionals. We cannot express enough gratitude for all your continuous hard work that you put into everything you do for survivors! We are so grateful to have you as partners over the many years and thank you for all the hard work you are doing each day providing critical resources to the survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault!

About the Author

Kira Webster, Lieutenant at the Houston Police Department

Major Assault & Family Violence Division

Categories
DVAM Voices Of Freedom

Silencing The Shame and Living in Agape: Your Journey Towards Healing

As we step into October, a month dedicated to raising awareness about domestic violence, I want to address a crucial and often overlooked issue that affects countless lives. Why? Because I firmly believe that it’s time for us to collectively confront the pervasive yet often silenced impact of domestic violence.

Personal journeys through domestic violence can often feel profoundly isolating. I know this from my own experience. It was a lonely path until I discovered a community of support. Sadly, many of my loved ones, including church family members, didn’t know how to extend their support. That’s why I’m on a mission to give voice to this topic, recognizing that many women are affected by shame.

If you’ve made it to this paragraph, this topic must interest you. Let’s go deeper. Shame is a distorted identity we place on ourselves when we experience the perception of having done something dishonorable, immoral, or improper. Sometimes, we feel worthless, helpless, powerless, nameless, and hopeless. Seeing ourselves as “less” than is often connected to childhood trauma.

But here’s the profound truth: When we let go of our shame, we can feel more at peace, be happier with who we are, and experience true healing. When we embrace every facet of who we are, we tap into the transformative power of self-love.

Healing is closer than you think. You deserve to live in AGAPE. Healing can start today with:

  • Acceptance and Affirmations: Begin your healing journey by accepting that healing takes time and acknowledging your worth. Affirm yourself with positive self-talk, recognizing that you deserve love and support. Focus on the words “I am”! There is power in affirming your greatness.
  • Guidance from Professionals: Seek advice from trained therapists or counselors who can offer professional support, strategies, and confidential space to help you gain new tools to place in your tool kit for healing. The Harris County Domestic Violence Coordinating Council can be a resource for you. This community helped me in my healing journey.
  • Advocacy for Yourself: Learn what your rights are. Trust me, when you go through the process of self-advocacy, you will, in turn, be a resource for someone else. Advocacy raises your overall level of self-awareness and consciousness.
  • Pursuing Knowledge: Expand your knowledge about domestic violence, its psychological effects, and the resources available for survivors. Learning more about domestic violence helped me understand what my shame was rooted in.
  • Establishing Healthy Boundaries: Recognize the importance of setting and enforcing healthy boundaries to protect your emotional, mental, and physical well-being. NO. is a complete sentence.

Remember, you are not alone, you can silence the shame. We are ready to support you on your path to living a life free from shame.

If you’d like to learn more information about the Silencing the Shame series, please email our Voices of Freedom Ambassador, Lereca Monik. You can also check our weekly newsletter for her series announcements or check her Facebook page here: https://www.facebook.com/lereca.monik

If you or someone you know is in danger, call the National Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE.

About the Author

Leraca Monik is one of HCDVCC’s Voice of Freedom Ambassadors.

Categories
DVAM

The Importance Of Domestic Violence Awareness Month

person holding a sign "You're not alone!" with the title of the blog in the image "The Importance Of Domestic Violence Awareness Month" in the image.
person holding a sign "You're not alone!" with the title of the blog in the image "The Importance Of Domestic Violence Awareness Month" in the image.

Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM) is observed every October in the United States. It is a month dedicated to raising awareness about the issues of domestic violence, honoring those who have died, supporting survivors, and mobilizing communities to take action to prevent this devastating crime. The month-long observance plays a crucial role in shedding light on an issue that is often cloaked in silence, and in empowering victims to find safety and healing. While we recognize October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month, we know every day is a battlefield for domestic violence victims, their families, their friends, and our community.

Statistics Highlight the Urgency of the Issue

Domestic violence is a pervasive and deadly issue. According to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence (NCADV), 1 in 3 women and 1 in 4 men have experienced some form of physical violence by an intimate partner. Moreover, on a typical day, domestic violence hotlines across the country receive over 20,000 calls, highlighting the urgency and prevalence of the issue.

The Impact of Domestic Violence

The impact of domestic violence extends beyond the physical harm inflicted on victims. It also encompasses emotional, psychological, and financial abuse, all of which can have long-term detrimental effects on victims and their children. The exposure to domestic violence can contribute to a range of emotional and psychological issues, including anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Children who witness domestic violence are more likely to continue the cycle, either as perpetrators or victims in their adult lives.

Supporting Victims and Preventing Violence

Raising awareness about domestic violence is crucial in supporting survivors and preventing further violence. Domestic Violence Awareness Month provides a platform for survivors to share their stories, for communities to learn about the signs of abuse, and for organizations and individuals to share resources and information.

Providing Help Information

If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, it’s vital to seek help immediately. The National Domestic Violence Hotline is available 24/7 at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233), providing confidential assistance and connecting callers with local resources.

How Others Can Help

Everyone has a role to play in ending domestic violence:

  • Educate Yourself and Others: Learn about the signs of domestic violence and share this information with friends, family, and colleagues.
  • Listen and Believe: If someone discloses that they are experiencing abuse, listen to them, believe their story, and provide non-judgmental support.
  • Support Local Organizations: Donate your time or resources to local organizations working to support survivors and prevent domestic violence.
  • Advocate for Policies: Advocate for policies at local, state, and federal levels that support survivors and hold perpetrators accountable.

Domestic Violence Awareness Month is a critical time for communities to come together to support survivors, remember those who have lost their lives, and work collaboratively to end domestic violence. By raising awareness, providing resources, and fostering a culture of support and accountability, it’s possible to make significant strides towards ending domestic violence for good.

If you or someone you know is in danger, call the National Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE.
Categories
Title IX

The Imperative Role of The “Working With Children and Youth Academy” in Educating Today’s Educators

This image is a teacher learning to work with kids who have experienced trauma in our online portal.
This image is a teacher learning to work with kids who have experienced trauma in our online portal.

Domestic violence is a widespread issue affecting millions of households across the world, casting a dark shadow on children’s lives. The ripple effects reach educational institutions, leaving teachers and educators to handle more than just academics. Addressing this critical concern, Harris County Domestic Violence Coordinating Council has launched the “Working With Children and Youth Academy” to equip educators with the skills and knowledge they need to help their students navigate these difficult experiences.

The Growing Crisis

Approximately ten million children each year witness domestic violence in their homes. As staggering as these numbers are, they only scratch the surface. Domestic violence does not just disrupt the lives of adults; it inflicts long-term emotional and psychological scars on children. In many cases, the children affected are attending school, often showing signs of secondary trauma that educators may not immediately recognize or understand.

Educating the Educators

The academy is designed specifically for educators teaching from elementary through high school levels. As the front-line guardians of children’s emotional and intellectual growth, teachers need to be equipped to handle not just academics but also the social and emotional facets of their students’ lives. This is why the academy provides a holistic approach to teacher training.

Core Topics Covered
The curriculum of the academy covers a variety of essential topics:
• Dynamics of Domestic Violence: Understanding the multifaceted aspects of domestic violence is crucial for early intervention and effective response.
• Introduction to Trauma: This topic provides foundational knowledge about trauma, helping educators identify symptoms and adapt their teaching strategies.
• Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE): Focusing on the long-term impacts of domestic violence on children, the course unpacks how ACE can affect academic performance and behavior.
• Creating a Trauma-Informed Classroom: Educators are given tools to create an environment that is sensitive to the needs of children experiencing trauma, thereby facilitating better learning outcomes.

A Collaborative Effort
The Harris County Domestic Violence Coordinating Council collaborates with subject matter experts in domestic violence, thereby ensuring that the academy’s courses are up-to-date, factual, and deeply insightful.

Education has always been considered a sanctuary for children, a place where they can grow, learn, and become the best versions of themselves. However, for children who are victims of domestic violence, school can also be a battlefield of emotions and hidden scars. The “Working With Children and Youth Academy” offers a glimmer of hope, arming educators with the resources they need to turn the classroom into a haven where every child has an opportunity to thrive.

To learn more about this COURSE and ENROLL, CLICK HERE!
Categories
Title IX

Understanding and Combating the Increased Risk of Sexual Assault on College Campuses

As thousands of excited students step onto college campuses for the first time each fall, they are met with a myriad of experiences—new friendships, challenging academics, and a taste of independence. However, they also face an alarming and heightened risk for sexual assault during a period known as the “Red Zone.” This term refers to the first few weeks of the academic year when sexual assault incidents are statistically higher. In this blog post, we’ll delve into why the Red Zone exists, what factors contribute to it, and what can be done to protect students.

What is the “Red Zone”?
The “Red Zone” is generally considered to be the period from the beginning of the academic year through homecoming. It’s a timeframe during which new students, particularly freshmen, are more susceptible to sexual assault and other forms of sexual violence. The concept has gained traction over the years, leading to increased awareness and preventative measures on campuses across the country.

Contributing Factors

  • Lack of Familiarity
    For many students, especially freshmen, the college environment is entirely new. The unfamiliarity with campus geography, social norms, and resources can make new students more vulnerable.
  • New Social Dynamics
    College introduces a host of new social experiences and pressures. From parties to dorm life, these new dynamics can sometimes create situations where the lines of consent are not clearly understood.
  • Alcohol and Party Culture
    The beginning of the academic year is often marked by a surge in social activities and parties. Unfortunately, these gatherings can sometimes involve excessive alcohol consumption, which contributes to poor decision-making and can lead to situations where sexual assault occurs.
  • Predatory Behavior
    There are individuals who exploit the vulnerability of new students, capitalizing on their lack of experience and awareness. These predators may be fellow students, older students, or even non-students who find their way onto campus.

Prevention and Awareness

  • Educational Programs
    Many schools now offer orientation sessions that include discussions on consent, bystander intervention, and the risks associated with the Red Zone. These programs aim to equip students with the information and tools they need to protect themselves and others.
    Increased Security Measures
    During the Red Zone, some campuses bolster security efforts, including increased patrols and enhanced surveillance. These measures aim to deter potential predators and offer better protection for students.
  • Resources and Support
    Educational institutions often provide resources such as hotlines, counseling services, and online information to help students navigate the risks associated with the Red Zone and to offer support to survivors of sexual assault.

    While the Red Zone is a period of heightened risk, it’s crucial to remember that sexual assault can happen at any time during the academic year. Therefore, awareness and preventative measures should be ongoing efforts. It’s a collective responsibility—administrators, faculty, students, and the community at large must work together to create a safer campus for everyone.

    By understanding the factors that contribute to the Red Zone, we can better arm ourselves and others with the knowledge and resources needed to combat this troubling issue. Let’s take the steps needed to transform the Red Zone from a period of risk to one of awareness, education, and empowerment. 
Categories
Mental Health Awareness Month Suicide Prevention Month

The Silent Link Between Suicide and Domestic Violence

The Silent Link Between Suicide and Domestic Violence
The Silent Link Between Suicide and Domestic Violence

September marks Suicide Prevention Month, a time to raise awareness about the causes, risk factors, and prevention measures surrounding suicide. While it’s vital to focus on the multifaceted issue of suicide, it’s equally crucial to talk about the closely connected, yet less acknowledged, issue of domestic violence. Understanding the link between these two pressing concerns can help us create more comprehensive solutions to combat them both.

The Interconnectedness Studies show that victims of domestic violence are at a higher risk for developing mental health issues like depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). These psychological strains can lead to a higher susceptibility to suicidal thoughts and attempts. Research indicates that as many as 1 in 3 survivors of domestic violence have considered suicide at some point, a staggering figure that underlines the severity of the issue.

Why Domestic Violence Leads to Suicide

  • Psychological Toll – Being a victim of domestic violence can make a person feel trapped, powerless, and worthless, feelings that are often precursors to suicidal thoughts and actions. Long-term exposure to an abusive environment can have devastating effects on an individual’s mental health, contributing to a vicious cycle that is hard to break.
  • Social Isolation – Abusers often isolate their victims from friends and family, making it difficult for them to seek help or escape. The loneliness and isolation can exacerbate feelings of despair and increase the risk of suicide.
  • A Cry for Help – Sometimes, a suicide attempt is a desperate cry for help. It may be the only way the victim feels they can bring attention to their suffering or regain some sense of control over their life.

Breaking the Cycle

  • Spotting the Signs – Changes in behavior: Look out for sudden changes in mood, withdrawal from social activities, and a decrease in performance at work or school. Physical symptoms: Frequent unexplained injuries or signs of physical abuse can be red flags. Verbal cues: Listen carefully if someone starts talking about feeling trapped, unbearable pain, or thoughts of death.
  • Creating a Safe Space –  One of the most important ways to help someone in a violent relationship is to offer a safe, non-judgmental space where they can talk openly. If you suspect that someone is a victim of domestic violence and is experiencing suicidal thoughts:
    Encourage them to seek professional help from therapists or counselors specialized in domestic violence and suicide prevention. Encourage them to confide in trusted friends and family. Assist them in developing a safety plan, including emergency contacts and an escape route.
  • Professional Help – Medical professionals, therapists, and counselors are trained to assess risk and provide immediate help for individuals experiencing suicidal thoughts due to domestic violence. Direct them towards hotlines and local resources designed to offer emergency aid and long-term support.

September’s Suicide Prevention Month provides an important opportunity for us to discuss not just suicide but also the deeply interconnected issue of domestic violence. By understanding the links between these two scourges, we can work towards more comprehensive solutions that address the root causes and help to break the cycle of abuse and despair.

Important Resources National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255) or #988

Disclaimer: This article is intended for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

If you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts or domestic violence, it is crucial to seek professional help immediately. You are not alone, and help is available.

Categories
Community Community Share Sexual Assault

Meet ColorMeSafe!

Who is Color me SAFE?

Color me SAFE is a family crisis management consulting firm serving mostly Texas and occasionally out-of-state clients. Our mission is to assist families of all backgrounds by offering guidance, solutions, and education regarding child welfare issues. Our team has over 50 years of combined experience, including several decades working for Child Protective Services. Since Color me SAFE was founded, in 2012, our team has been empowering, educating, and protecting your most valuable asset – your child.

Color me SAFE specializes in cases where CPS is directly involved: divorce & custody issues, coparenting conflict, parent/child conflict, and other matters involving child-welfare. We work directly with families, including refugees and immigrant families, therapists, schools, family law attorneys, and nonprofit organizations that serve survivors of domestic violence, and the community in general.

Often, families feel powerless and helpless in dealing with government institutions such as CPS – they need an advocate by their side to ensure their rights are protected and institutions are held accountable.

When families are referred to us, they are often traumatized, helpless, scared, lost, with the fear their children may be taken away, not knowing what to do or who to turn to. Unfortunately, through our experiences at CPS and beyond, it is precisely the families who are more vulnerable that are treated the worst, often being discriminated, revictimized, their civil rights abused by the institutions who were supposed to protect them. It’s those disparities, inequities, and inequalities that led us to create Color me SAFE and do what we do.

We’ve helped families with some of the most heart-breaking cases such as a family that had their three-month-old baby removed after going to the ER for an isolated incident that was completely misunderstood and overreacted. The parents were recent immigrants, their English wasn’t polished, and, in that stressful situation, they were not able to explain satisfactory what had happened. Unfortunately, they went on for months and spent thousands of dollars in attorney fees before their family was able to reunite.

In another case, we were able to guide a survivor of domestic violence, whose daughter was also being sexually abused by her own father. He was well connected and was using the law to his advantage. In this case, CPS initially misunderstood the dynamics of what was happening, and we were able to help make her case heard and, at the end, justice prevailed.

Over the years, we have come across numerous such families that needed our assistance and guidance but could not afford our services. We have taken more than forty pro-bono cases since we began this work and invested almost 1000 hours to support these families. Unfortunately, we were unable to support and guide several other families who needed us due to limited resources.

This is the ultimate reason we launched the Color me SAFE Foundation as a 501c3 at the end of 2022. We do not want any family to face a child or family related crisis without support, independently of their economic means. Besides working directly with families who do not have the resources, Color me SAFE Foundation will also be launching other education initiatives to empower our communities.

To us, it’s not about a paycheck or closing a case file, it’s when a family comes back months later saying, “thank you for keeping my family together.”

Our Team on the Ground:

Gauthami Vemula-Queijo, MS, MSE (Founder & Chief Empathy Officer)
Britany Myers, LCSW (Director of Education)
Karen Ricks, LCSW (Consultant & Director Home Assessments)
Saranya Kari, BS (Senior Intern)

To learn more about Color me SAFE, please visit the website and you can also follow ColorMeSafe on the following social media platforms.

Instagram | Facebook | Twitter | LinkedIn

Categories
Mental Health Awareness Month Op-eds

Mental Health Awareness Month and IPV

For Mental Health Awareness Month, let’s discuss the connection between people experiencing intimate partner violence and mental illness. Did you know that people who are victim survivors of intimate partner violence (IPV) have higher rates of experiencing mental health issues, like PTSD, anxiety, and depression? Some research suggests 3 times more likely. And did you know that people with chronic mental health conditions are at higher risk for experiencing intimate partner violence? Some research has reported that 30-60% of women with mental health diagnoses will experience IPV.

On a personal note, I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, have helped many others through mental health crises, processing trauma, and am as much of an expert as one can be on most things interpersonal violence. I am also a victim survivor of dating violence myself and struggle daily with symptoms of anxiety and depression. It‘s been over 25 years since experiencing abuse, and then I went through therapy, focused on healing, and made a career of helping others, and it still impacts me. I hope this illustrates the power that abuse has over our mental health. Of course, other stressors have popped up over the years, even some traumatic experiences, but this violence I experienced early in life started my brain on the path of trying to constantly remain in survival mode to protect me, and it has never been the same.

We don’t have to be experts on the brain to understand how the brain responds to and is impacted by trauma. The bottom line is that when we experience things that make us feel like our lives are in danger, chemicals flood our brains in response to the threat. The harm does not have to literally be a life or death situation, as long as we are feeling overwhelmed, out of control, and scared. The more we experience this harm, the more challenging it is to get our brains back to functioning like before when we felt safe. This can make life very difficult. These changes can create triggers, impact our memory and executive functioning, tell us not to trust others, make us question everything, and put us in a near constant state of reactivity. Our brains want us to be prepared for trauma if it happens again. This can lead to chronic symptoms of mental illness.

Now that we understand how experiencing abuse can increase our chances of facing mental health challenges, let’s also explore why those already suffering with mental illness are at a higher risk. Unfortunately, many people who suffer with mental illness can struggle with functioning at work, in relationships, carrying out daily household tasks, etc. They can try to cope with symptoms through isolating themselves, disconnecting from their support system, changing jobs and housing often, and can have lower self esteem than those who do not experience these symptoms. A lack of self-worth and a lack of stability and resources can place us in a position of great vulnerability. Vulnerability in a person can be an abuser’s most formidable tool to obtain power and control over them.

I have been provided with empathy and support over the years and have learned how to carry my trauma in a way that empowers me now. Luckily, most days, my brain follows my lead. The greatest gift that you can give a victim survivor who is struggling with their mental health is to educate yourself about these topics and provide them with radical empathy. This is true of those who are dealing with mental health diagnoses as well. Too often in our society, both these groups are victim-blamed, not believed, ignored, and told that they need to “get over it”. Changing this narrative within the communities and groups that we engage with is a powerful first step to making lasting change.

About the Author

Cathryn Councill Headshot

Cathryn Councill is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and is the Director of The SAFE Office at Rice University.

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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