October 5 @ 10:00 am – 1:00 pm CDT
Join us for a FREE family friendly event honoring Domestic Violence Awareness Month, featuring adoptable dogs from local shelters, pet friendly vendors and local community resources!
WE ARE LOOKING FOR VENDORS!
Tag: dv nonprofit
October 25 @ 8:30 am – 4:30 pm CDT
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)
Categories
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:
- Register to speak – You can do that here – Harris County Commissioners Court Agenda (harriscountytx.gov). You have up until 9:00 am 9/10 to register!
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… 😊
October 18
@
6:30 pm
–
7:45 pm
CDT
“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.
October 10 @ 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm CDT
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:
- 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:
- Transgender Individuals: Transgender people, particularly transgender women of color, experience disproportionately high rates of violence and homicide.
- Bisexual Individuals: Bisexual individuals often face abuse from both same-sex and different-sex partners.
- 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.
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) “The mission! The end goal of what I do has to be meaningful in that at the end of the day, I have been able to help someone in need, in my own small way.”
2) “Too many vulnerable people who are unaware there is help for them, so they are able to save themselves and escape their suffering.”
3) “Exercise, spending a lot of time outdoors in nature, and surrounding myself with my family and friends.”
4) “The learning curve is steep and challenging but extremely rewarding and fulfilling.”
2) “Too many vulnerable people who are unaware there is help for them, so they are able to save themselves and escape their suffering.”
3) “Exercise, spending a lot of time outdoors in nature, and surrounding myself with my family and friends.”
4) “The learning curve is steep and challenging but extremely rewarding and fulfilling.”
1)”I was drawn to the field of nonprofit after I started to volunteer at M.D. Anderson Cancer Hospital. when I was 14 years old.”
2) “My older sister was in a very bad Domestic Violence relationship that almost took her life. I wanted to understand why she allowed someone to treat her so poorly. When I went to the University of Houston I graduated with a degree in Criminal Justice and a minor in Inner Disciplinary studies. That started my career in helping make a difference in the lives of survivors.”
3) “I make sure that I take time to do something that makes me smile every day. Music has always been therapy for my soul.”
4) “I have learned a lot about healthy relationships and that saying “no” is not a bad thing it’s a way to set healthy boundaries.”
2) “My older sister was in a very bad Domestic Violence relationship that almost took her life. I wanted to understand why she allowed someone to treat her so poorly. When I went to the University of Houston I graduated with a degree in Criminal Justice and a minor in Inner Disciplinary studies. That started my career in helping make a difference in the lives of survivors.”
3) “I make sure that I take time to do something that makes me smile every day. Music has always been therapy for my soul.”
4) “I have learned a lot about healthy relationships and that saying “no” is not a bad thing it’s a way to set healthy boundaries.”
1) “The belief that the focus of work is not for a financial profit, rather for the profit of impacting and assist with changing people’s lives.”
2) “Advocacy in domestic violence issues allows my loud voice to be heard for all victims that was silenced.”
3) “Daily I ground myself through prayer, meditation, singing, dancing, exercise, breathing, gratitude, and hugging on the little people that call me mom and grandma!”
4) “This journey called life was and is not easy, yet it feels like a walk in the park, and I am grateful to be here.”
2) “Advocacy in domestic violence issues allows my loud voice to be heard for all victims that was silenced.”
3) “Daily I ground myself through prayer, meditation, singing, dancing, exercise, breathing, gratitude, and hugging on the little people that call me mom and grandma!”
4) “This journey called life was and is not easy, yet it feels like a walk in the park, and I am grateful to be here.”
1) “Domestic Violence brought me to the non-profit world.”
2) “Survival and my children.”
3) “Praying and not giving up.”
4) “I was able to get out the abusive relationship and lived through it all.”
2) “Survival and my children.”
3) “Praying and not giving up.”
4) “I was able to get out the abusive relationship and lived through it all.”
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) “The ability to learn community, work on the front lines to assist individuals and families in time of need. Hear the stories that probably no one has heard before or didn’t want to hear.”
2) “Domestic violence is a personal story of mine, being a child that survived the violence at home created many barriers during my childhood, teen years and as a young adult. The trauma has followed me through the years. I have not only heard stories of DV survivors I am a survivor of such crime: no child should ever have to live through such pain.”
3) “GOD is the only one who has taught me how to heal and forgive. I believe individuals have the opportunity to learn how to be better to themselves and to others. The journey might be a long road, but it will lead you to where you need to be to feel complete.”
4) “I maintain self- care by seeing things grow (I am not a gardener by no means) but enjoy seeing plants grow. I share my life with my loved ones. Nature nurtures my soul and spirit all living things bring me joy. I love! love, love! to hear from past clients (now friends) that have kept my contact number. Some still keep in contact with me, I now hear a different story, stories of happiness, stories of success, stories of growth, stories of triumph. We now share tears of joy. That is my MOTIVATION seeing, hearing people becoming, a change, sharing a different story to tell others.”
2) “Domestic violence is a personal story of mine, being a child that survived the violence at home created many barriers during my childhood, teen years and as a young adult. The trauma has followed me through the years. I have not only heard stories of DV survivors I am a survivor of such crime: no child should ever have to live through such pain.”
3) “GOD is the only one who has taught me how to heal and forgive. I believe individuals have the opportunity to learn how to be better to themselves and to others. The journey might be a long road, but it will lead you to where you need to be to feel complete.”
4) “I maintain self- care by seeing things grow (I am not a gardener by no means) but enjoy seeing plants grow. I share my life with my loved ones. Nature nurtures my soul and spirit all living things bring me joy. I love! love, love! to hear from past clients (now friends) that have kept my contact number. Some still keep in contact with me, I now hear a different story, stories of happiness, stories of success, stories of growth, stories of triumph. We now share tears of joy. That is my MOTIVATION seeing, hearing people becoming, a change, sharing a different story to tell others.”
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. “
Categories
Anti-Racism Policy
BIPOC Subcommittee Anti-Racism Policy
Racial Equity
The BIPOC subcommittee of the Domestic Violence Steering Committee of the greater Harris County area collaboration, supports the development of policy to combat racism and its effects. The subcommittee recognizes that the issue is a threat to the viability and health of staff, volunteers, and those we serve. Racism often manifests itself systemically, culturally, and interpersonally. The subcommittee is committed to engaging in actions that break down the walls of racial inequality. We strive for an environment where those we serve do not experience the barriers of racism. We further strive for all staff of partners within this collaborative to feel included, heard, and valued without the barriers of racism. Actions the subcommittee is proposing include but are not limited to:
1. Racial Equity Workgroup – The Racial Equity Workgroup is comprised of select subcommittee members from agencies across the Greater Houston Area. The purpose of the workgroup is to address the systemic, cultural, and interpersonal issues of racism, to make recommendations to the Steering Committee regarding partner agencies policy, and to establish best practice recommendations for the collaborative.
2. Host Partner Agency Conversations – The subcommittee is committed to offering strategic meetings where the partner agency teams are encouraged to share issues they are facing. The effort will include a cost sharing program where partner agency staff can anonymously report incidents of racism so this information is tracked and opportunities for accountability and change occurs.
3. Training – The subcommittee is seeking viable training for partner agencies’ staff as needed to include proposing a select microaggression video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nQ9l7y4UuxY as part of the onboarding process of all partner agencies.
4. Evaluate Internal Practices – The subcommittee is committed to continually evaluating internal policies and procedures to ensure a consistent eye is on racial equality in all aspects of the collaborative.
The BIPOC subcommittee recommends that each member organization of HCDVCC include the following language in their DEI policies regarding equity vs equality:
While the terms equity and equality may sound similar, the implementation of one versus the other can lead to dramatically different outcomes for marginalized people.
Equality means each individual or group of people is given the same resources or opportunities. Equity recognizes that each person has different circumstances and allocates the exact resources and opportunities needed to reach an equal outcome. Therefore, racial equity recognizes and acknowledges the oppression and subjugation of racial minorities and strives to achieve fairness depending on current status and need. Racial equity is intentional and provides the resources and opportunities needed for BIPOC staff so they can reach an equal outcome to their white counterparts.
In addition, ORGANIZATION NAME prioritizes racial equity for Black and Indigenous staff first due to their being the recipients of the most severe and ongoing oppression and thus discrimination and maltreatment.
“The route to achieving equity will not be accomplished through treating everyone equally. It will be achieved by treating everyone justly according to their circumstances.”
—Paula Dressel, Race Matters Institute 1
