fbpx
Categories
Community Share Sexual Assault

Reflect on Independence Day this year

As we reflect on Independence Day this year, we at Daya reflect on our mission’s core – the belief that every person deserves an independent life free from abuse. We have embodied this belief for 26 years since being founded and are committed to play our part in helping survivors gain freedom.

South Asian survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault face a myriad of barriers when it comes to getting help, oftentimes making staying silent the less risky option. For 26 years, Daya staff, board members, and volunteers have worked to break the silence around domestic abuse in the South Asian community by tirelessly advocating alongside survivors and community leaders. By uplifting the voices of South Asian survivors, Daya has been able to assist more than 400 survivors reclaim independence annually. While we are proud of our work over the last 26 years, we recognize there is still much to be done. As the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic continue, survivors face higher risks and increased vulnerabilities. In just 6 months, Daya has worked alongside 280 survivors who are bravely reclaiming their freedom by ending the cycle of abuse in their relationships.

This work is not done in a silo. Daya is stronger because of the partnerships with our sister organizations who we learn and grow with. Ending the domestic violence will take all of us working in coordination and in solidarity.

We invite you to acknowledge the freedom that results from healthy relationships and independent lives. At Daya, our commitment to independence looks like providing options instead of mandates, spreading knowledge instead of blame, and letting the client lead while always having their back.

About the Authors

Screen Shot 2022-07-08 at 7.16.08 AM

Rachna Khare, Executive Director

 


Tishya Bedi, Director of Outreach and Education

Categories
Community Share Sexual Assault

Freedom is not for all

From (1)
Women lost more than the right to choose when the U.S. Supreme Court reversed the landmark decision of Roe v. Wade. Women lost the freedom that comes with self-reliance, self-determination, and bodily autonomy. We are reminded, yet again, that we are second class citizens – subordinate and subject to ideals and laws that meet the needs of the few instead of the needs of the many. BIPOC women already stand in the gap when it comes to wealth, education, housing, poverty, maternal and infant mortality, and countless other inequities with high barriers. The Dobbs decision makes it almost impossible to move beyond the gap when options are restricted and women must live the life they are forced into, instead of the life they want. Life, liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness do not apply.

BIPOC women will be even more vulnerable to domestic violence, sexual assault, dating violence, and stalking. Research states that between 3% and 9% of women experience abuse during pregnancy and risk factors that assure higher rates of abuse, include young age, single, race/ethnicity, and poverty. Adults and children who are impregnated by rape or incest will be tied to those who violated them…for life. Lives will be lost and childhoods will be stolen. The psychological, physical, and financial toll of carrying an unwanted pregnancy to term in an environment that is already hostile to BIPOC women is incalculable. Denying the freedom to choose will have collateral consequences of compound, complex, trauma for generations of BIPOC communities.

About the Authors

download (6)

Ujima Inc., The National Center on Violence Against Women in the Black Community

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
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
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

Categories
Community Share Op-eds

Use Your Voice Through Voting

Use Your Voice Through Voting

Thank you Dr. Toby Myers (Board Member and Domestic Violence Expert) for sharing this important information on using the Mail-In Ballot

Editor’s Note:

The data is clear. People who receive mail-in ballots vote at a substantially higher rate than people who go to the polls in person. That’s why this information is so important. Please review the info below and take the appropriate action for yourself. AND PLEASE share this info with others who typically vote by mail, especially if they are not likely to have a computer or printer.

I hope there will be more public service announcements about these changes in the future, but we can’t afford a “wait and see” attitude. People who have routinely received an application for their mail-in ballot in the mail might not realize that the application didn’t arrive. And by the time they realize they don’t have a mail-in ballot it might be too late to apply for and receive one.

1. The process for obtaining and filing an Application for a Mail-in Ballot has changed.

If you or someone you know votes by mail, there are some important changes in the process. People who are unaware of these changes may end up being unable to vote by mail. For some, that will make them unable to vote at all.

Senate Bill 1 prohibits the distribution of mail-in ballot applications by the Election Administrator (EA).

If you have voted by mail in the past, you probably received an application for a mail-in ballot automatically each year, which reminded you to apply. You simply filled out the application and sent it in. You will no longer receive that application automatically. Instead, if you want to vote by mail, you must affirmatively request an application.

2. You can obtain a Vote by Mail Application in one of two ways. Go to the www.HarrisVotes.com website and click on “Voting by Mail.” There you’ll find a downloadable vote by mail application , a mail ballot tracker to monitor the process of

your application, and answers to any questions you might have. Just print the application, fill it out and mail it in.**

OR, if you do not have internet access or a printer and are unable to print an application on line, simply call the Election Administrator’s office at 713-755-6965 and ask them to mail you an application. They have personnel who will take your call and assist you.

Don’t delay! If you want to vote in the Primary, your application for a mail-in ballot must be received by the EA’s office no later than Friday, February 18, 2022. So to be safe, it should be mailed on or before Monday, February 14. Because mail delivery has slowed, apply now to be sure your application will arrive in time to be completed and sent back to Harris Votes well in advance of February 18. (If you miss the February 18 deadline, you won’t be able to vote in the primary BUT you will be able to vote in the November election.) ***

Senate Bill 1 creates new ID requirements for voting by mail.

SB1 establishes additional identification requirements for voting by mail. For the first time, the application for a mail-in ballot will ask for your full driver’s license number or the last four digits of your Social Security number. The same form of identification also must be included on the envelope you will use when you return your completed ballot. SB1 also requires that this identification information must match what is already on file in your individual voter record. In other words, the ID you provide now, in 2022, must be the same that you used when you registered to vote.

If you registered long ago, you may not remember which form of ID you used. However, the application and current voter registration forms ask for the last 4 digits of your SSN only if you don’t have a driver’s license. So using your driver’s license number would seem to be the best choice.

3. What if your ID information does not match what is in your voter record?

Don’t panic. Under this heading on the HarrisVotes website (see the link to “Senate Bill Election Law Effective December 2, 2021), the following statements appear:

Harris County Elections is here to ensure any simple mistakes are addressed.

  • If we spot any mistakes, we will proactively reach out to you directly to address any inconsistencies if you included a phone number or email when registering to vote. If not, we will mail you a letter with follow up information.
  • Still have questions? Call us at (713) 755-6965. Email: vbm@harrisvotes.com

NOTES:

** If you are 65 or older or are disabled, be sure to choose the “annual” ballot option. That option assures you will receive a ballot for all elections in the calendar year.

*** If you submit your application by FAX or EMAIL you must also submit it by mail and it must be received by the early voting clerk not later than the fourth business day after the transmission by fax or email is received. (TEC 84.007). · Email: vbm@HarrisVotes.com Fax: (713)-755-4983 or (713)-437-8683 Visit www.harrisvotes.com for more information. At the top of the welcome screen, you will see a red line that says “Senate Bill 1 Election Law Effective December 2, 2021. More info here.”

About the Author

Board Member of HCDVCC & DV Expert,

Dr. Toby Meyers

Categories
Press Release

3rd Annual Impossible2Possible PR

Harris County Domestic Violence Coordinating Council to Host Domestic Violence Awareness Month Activities Through October

The Harris County Domestic Violence Coordinating Council is set to host their 3rd Annual Impossible2Possible event to spread awareness of the dangers and reality of domestic violence.

Houston, Harris County, Texas — Domestic violence is a scary reality for approximately 10 million women and men each year. Unfortunately, nearly 67% of survivors of domestic violence suffer in silence and never report the abuse they are receiving from those that should be considered their safe space.

What makes domestic violence even worse is that a vast majority of those suffering believe there is simply no way out of the situation, whether it be fear of losing (or harm being inflicted on) children or having no place to call home.

The good news? There are resources to help these survivors, and while these resources are available upon request, the month of October helps bring further awareness to the situation and connect survivors with the necessary help – all thanks to Domestic Violence Awareness Month.
Domestic Violence Awareness Month was first established in October 1987 and has been a welcome method of spreading awareness ever since.
In Harris County, TX, the Harris County Domestic Violence Coordinating Council (HCDVCC) takes pride in the work they do to not only spread awareness, but help survivors in whatever way they can.

Whether working with local law enforcement agencies, advocacy organizations, victim support services, policymakers, or the community itself, HCDVCC strives to ensure that victims of domestic violence in Harris County, Texas are served by the people and resources they so desperately need.” says Executive Director, Barbie Brashear.

Harris County has several educational events planned throughout October, including the 3rd annual Summit Event – Impossible2Possible: Be the Catalyst for Survivors with Disabilities. Topics that will be covered include how to make programs accessible to those with disabilities, how to create an inclusive space for survivors of domestic violence and their families, as well as ableism and accessibility.
This year’s speakers will include:

  • Heidi Lersch: Disability Services Educator and Training Coordinator
  • Sashi Nisankarao: Licensed Texas Attorney & ADA Specialist
  • Marilyn Gilbreath: MS, Family Studies/Counseling
  • Heather Daley: Hotline Advocate – National Deaf Domestic Violence Hotline

 

About Harris County Domestic Violence Coordinating Council: With a vision of a community where all persons have relationships that are safe, healthy, and free from domestic violence, HCDVCC leads efforts to build collaborative systems and innovative programs that help increase access to services and safety for those suffering from domestic violence.

Contact: To learn more about Domestic Violence Awareness Month or Harris County Domestic Violence Coordinating Council, please direct all questions to Thecia Jenkins at theciajenkins@hcdvcc.org or by phone at (281) 400-3680.

###