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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

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Community Share Op-eds Press Release

HCDVCC’s Supplemental Safety Planning Tools Project Goes Statewide!

HCDVCC’s Supplemental Safety Planning Tools Project Goes Statewide!

In early 2020, when COVID first hit, HCDVCC began purchasing RING cameras for high-risk survivors who were identified by our Domestic Violence High Risk Team (DVHRT). The cameras were an inexpensive way to provide an additional layer of safety to a survivor when resources were stretched thin. The camera was incorporated into a survivor’s safety plan and quickly became “an extra set of eyes” and a powerful tool in providing additional security to a survivor’s home. It also validated any harassment, stalking or violent incidents she/he/they may have experienced if a survivor chose to pursue legal/criminal justice options.

When advocates heard back from survivors that the RING camera was a helpful tool for them, advocacy specialist, Susan Hickey, with HCDVCC, decided to reach out to the RING camera company to see if they might be interested in donating a few cameras to help HCDVCC with their efforts. Her outreach to the RING corporation proved to be extremely successful. Not only did the RING corporation respond enthusiastically to Susan’s request by providing a donation of 500 cameras to HCDVCC, they also donated free lifetime subscriptions to the program.

Thanks to this fantastic donation from RING, HCDVCC was able to reach out to other local DV providers to include them in this generous offer as well. In April, HCDVCC partnered with several other DV agencies in the community and launched The Supplemental Safety Planning Tools Project. It is a program designed to increase safety for survivors by including a camera into a survivor’s personalized safety plan.

Since the program’s launch in April 2021, nine domestic violence agencies in the Harris and surrounding counties have partnered with HCDVCC to participate in the project. And thanks to the work of these nine different agencies, 601 individuals have benefited from this camera donation.

Susan’s efforts and success with this project in Harris County provided a solid foundation to introduce RING to other partners like the Texas Council on Family Violence (TCFV) to see if there was an interest and an opportunity to take this program to survivors throughout our state. After months of planning and consultation, a press conference was held at HCDVCC’s offices on Monday, December 13, 2021 where RING executives, Gloria Terry, TCFV’s executive director, and U.S. Representative Sheila Jackson Lee announced thrilling news. The RING partnership is going statewide! Soon high-risk survivors in Ft. Bend County, Grayson County and El Paso County will also benefit from this amazing tool and service. HCDVCC is tremendously proud of Susan Hickey’s hard work to make this program possible, and to the dedication of the RING camera company to ensuring that all survivors of domestic violence have access to this powerful tool. HCDVCC looks forward to our continued collaboration with RING, TCFV and other dv agencies to ensure survivors receive this type of technology that may help bring some valuable peace of mind.

For more information about this project, or to become a partner, please contact Susan or go to the SSPT site.

About the Author

Alicia N is the Director of Harris County DVHRT Initiative
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Community Share Legacies

HCAH’s Marjorie Joseph Honored as UNA Houston’s Global Citizen Recipient

HCAH's Marjorie Joseph Honored as UNA Houston's Global Citizen Recipient

The Houston Chapter of the United Nations Association of the United States of America (UNA-USA) hosted the city’s UN Day on Sunday October 24—the 76th anniversary of the establishment of the United Nations. We are very excited and humbled to share that the keynote speaker and UNA Global Citizen award honoree was Marjorie A. Joseph, Poet and Executive Director of Houston Coalition Against Hate. This recognition is a true testament to her dedication and the Coalition’s work to create a world of acceptance and belonging.

Every October, the United Nations Association and its national network of more than 200 chapters, including the Houston Chapter (a local 501(c)(3) non-profit, nonpartisan organization), honor UN Day—to commemorate the ratification of the United Nations Charter and to celebrate the varied and difficult work of the Organization. UNA-USA chapters are dedicated to educating, inspiring and mobilizing Americans to support the principles and programs of the United Nations. Chapters also are keen on promoting constructive United States leadership in the UN system.

This year’s theme was Creating a Blueprint for a Better Future. For more than seven decades, UNA-USA members have advocated on behalf of the UN and its agencies. Over the last year and a half, we’ve seen just how interconnected the world is and that a threat anywhere—from the COVID-19 pandemic to intensifying impacts of climate change—is a threat everywhere.

The U.S. should not—and cannot—tackle global challenges alone – creating a blueprint for a better future can only be achieved through working in tandem with the UN.

The program can be viewed through the following platforms:
Houston Coalition Against Hate
Facebook
YouTube

Sources
Houston Coalition Against Hate

Categories
Community Share Op-eds Title IX

October – These two awareness issues share more than a month

October – These two awareness issues share more than a month

Let’s do the math – it is estimated that 281,550 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in 2021. Of these, over 43,600 women will die as a direct result of that diagnosis (ACS, 2021). If that weren’t bad enough, public health organizations, including the Centers for Disease Control, state that 5.3 million of women will be victimized by a “loved one” annually as a result of domestic violence.

Both cancer and domestic violence are exacerbated by similar and complex social issues such as financial insecurity, institutional racism, discrimination, and isolation from supportive networks. If we consider the added stressors of the COVID-19 pandemic in terms of job loss, caregiving demands, and disrupted access to services, 2021 is not shaping up to be a good year for women.

Women living in violent relationships are at higher risk for delayed screening, advanced-stage cancer, and reduced chance for survival. A history of intimate partner violence (IPV) also impacts optimal cancer care receipt, such as surgery and hormone therapy. We do understand the impact, both emotional and physical, that social relationships have on women’s health. Women in abusive relationships have very limited access to
healthy interventions further complicating early detection and treatments that could be lifesaving.

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and Domestic Violence Awareness Month, yet these two issues are more interconnected than we realize. It is not enough to wear a pink or purple t-shirt. We must advocate for research, education, and policies that remove barriers to women’s health and wellbeing. We must advocate for these two powerful campaigns to join together and combine their resources to save women’s lives.

Sources
1. Afrisham R, Paknejad M, Soliemanifar O, Sadegh-Nejadi S, Meshkani R, Ashtary-Larky D. (2019). The influence of psychological stress on the initiation and progression of diabetes and cancer. Int J Endocrinol
Metab,17(2):e67400

2. Alcalá, H. E., Keim-Malpass, J., & Mitchell, E. M. (2021). Sexual assault and cancer screening among men and women. Journal of interpersonal violence, 36(11-12), NP6243–NP6259.
https://doi.org/10.1177/0886260518812797

3. American Cancer Society. Cancer Facts & Figures 2021. Atlanta: American Cancer Society; 2021.

4. Aygin, D., & Bozdemir, H. (2019). Exposure to violence in breast cancer patients: Systematic review. Breast
Cancer, 26(1), 29-38. doi:10.1007/s12282-018-0900-6

5. Coker, A., Reeder, C., Fadden, M.K., & Smith, P. (2004). Physical partner violence and Medicaid utilization and expenditures. Public Health Rep, 119,557-567.

6. DeSantis, C.E., Ma, J., Gaudet, M.M., Newman, L.A., Miller, K.D., Goding Sauer, A., Jemal, A. and Siegel, R.L.
(2019), Breast cancer statistics, 2019. CA A Cancer J Clin, 69: 438-451. https://doi.org/10.3322/caac.21583

7. Dionigi, F., Martinelli, V., Trotti, E., Ferrari, A., Garcia-Etienne, C. A., Valle, A. D., Grasso, D., Ferraris, E.,
Rizzo, G., Praticò, V., & Sgarella, A. (2020). “My Husband Affects Me More Than My Cancer”: Reflections on simultaneous intimate partner violence and breast cancer experience in a 48-year-old woman. Journal of Cancer Education, 35(5), 1041–1045. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13187-019-01661-9

8. Emory Home. Domestic Violence/Intimate Partner Violence Facts. Atlanta: Facts Sheet. http://emory.edu

9. Jetelina, K. K., Carr, C., Murphy, C. C., Sadeghi, N., S Lea, J., & Tiro, J. A. (2020). The impact of intimate
partner violence on breast and cervical cancer survivors in an integrated, safety-net setting. Journal of Cancer
Survivorship,14(6), 906–914. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11764-020-00902-x

10. Johnson, W.A., & Pieters, H.C. (2016). Intimate partner violence among women diagnosed with cancer. Cancer
Nursing,39(2), 87-96. doi:10.1097/NCC.0000000000000265

11. Lee, R. K., Sanders, V. L., & Mechanic, M. B. (2002). Intimate partner violence and women of color: A call for
innovations. American Journal of Public Health, 92(4), 530–534.

12. Lovestad, S., Jesper, L., Vaez, M., & Krantz, G. (2017). Prevalence of intimate partner violence and its
association with symptoms of depression; a cross-sectional study based on a female population sample in Sweden.
BMC Public Health, 1–11. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-017-4222-y

13. Modesitt, S.C., Gambrell, A., Cottrill, H.M., Hays, L.R., Walker, R., Shelton, B., Jordan, C.E., & Ferguson, J.E.
(2006). The adverse impact of a history of violence for women with breast, cervical, endometrial, or ovarian
cancer. Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology, 107(6), 1330 – 1336.

14. National Coalition Against Domestic Violence (2019). Domestic violence in Texas. Retrieved from
www.ncadv.org/files/Texas.pdf.

15. National Coalition Against Domestic Violence (2020). Domestic violence. Retrieved from
https:assets.speakcdn.com/assets/2497/domestic_violence-2020080709350855.pdf?1596811079991.

16. Texas Council on Family Violence. Honoring Texas victims, family violence fatalities in 2020. Austin: Analysis
Report. https://tcfv.org/publications

About the Author

 

Donna Amtsberg, LCSW is a Clinical Assistant Professor at the University of Houston, Graduate College of Social Work. She is also a Board Member with the Harris County Domestic Violence Coordinating Council.

 

 

 

Chiara Acquati, Ph.D., LMSW is an Assistant Professor at the University of Houston, Graduate College of Social Work. She is also an Adjunct Assistant Professor at the UT MD Anderson Cancer Center, Department of Health Disparities Research.

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Community Share Op-eds

HAWC Commitment to Engaging in the Magnolia Park/Manchester Community

People associate the Houston Area Women’s Center with domestic and sexual violence and while our mission continues to be to “End domestic and sexual violence for ALL”, we recognize that prevention is more than just talking about it. While our prevention team educates community members on what domestic violence and sexual violence is and how it impacts the community, they are also working with communities themselves to address some of the core factors of violence.

Often times organizations come in with the idea that “they” know what the community needs, when in reality the only people who know what they’re needing are those who live in the community. One way our team has been doing this in the Magnolia Park/Manchester community, a predominately Hispanic/Latinx community, is through meeting with community members and leaders to get an understanding of what’s happening in the community.

We are also working with community schools to recruit students who want to impact their community and receive evidence-based prevention curriculum. The Be Strong curriculum works with young women to encourage empowerment, healthy boundaries and community involvement. The Live Respect Curriculum focuses on young men and challenges their concepts of masculinity and respect.

We are also working in establishing a student and adult advisory board, to give us insight on what the community needs are. Since both groups will be made up of community members, we will ensure the voices of those we’re hearing are voices from the community. In addition, youth participating in Be Strong, Live Respect and the Student Advisory Board will be able to match with a mentor from the Magnolia Park/Manchester Committee. Mentors will be identified through the Adult Advisory Board members, community leaders and interested community partners.

Most recently we have collaborated with the Magnolia Park Dia de los Muertos event. During the event, we will be hosting an art competition with the theme “Celebrating Life” and highlighting the lives of those who were killed as a result of domestic and sexual violence. By participating in community events like these, we are recognizing the importance of the events to the community, as well as providing resources that perhaps the community was not aware of previously. Through supporting community voices, we are able to identify needs within the community so we can focus on community activism and therefore create an environment without violence.

About the Author

Isabel Martinez
Director of Violence Prevention
– HAWC

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Community Share Op-eds

How one Survivor Stopped the Cycle

Jamie Wright - DV Survivor and Advocate

In April 2020, I found myself hopeless, homeless, afraid, and ashamed as a result of domestic violence. I felt very alone, I knew hardly no one in Houston, and at the time, didn’t have enough money to leave the home I shared with my partner, although he was abusive. In the middle of the pandemic, the abuse I’d experienced became worse. As a result, I fled my home and went to the Houston Area Women’s Center (HAWC) for nearly three months. I thank my Creator every day for the services I received at HAWC.

All of the resources I received at HAWC (e.g., shelter, food, legal assistance, etc.) were absolutely awesome and I’m eternally gratefully. However, the individual and group therapy I received at the shelter changed my life, for the rest of my life. I began to understand ‘why’ I accepted abuse. I learned skills that empowered me and has helped me navigate life after making the decision to walk away and stay away from the abusive relationship. I am no longer ashamed to share that I coexist with mental health diagnoses, for which, I have a mental health plan that includes ongoing therapy.

I am now committed to raising awareness around domestic and intimate partner violence and removing the stigma of mental health.

O yeah, I am happy to report that I serve on the Board of Director’s for the very shelter that changed my life (#GOHAWC), and I NOW live an abuse free life, full of joy, peace, hope and happiness, which I know is what I’ve always deserved! And now I share my story with hope and prayer that others know they are deserving of an abuse free life full of joy, peace, hope and happiness too!

About the Author

Jamie Wright - DV Survivor and Advocate
Jamie Wright
DV Survivor Turned Advocate
Categories
Community Share Op-eds Title IX

The Power of Collaboration

Working with the HCDVCC (Title IX Committee) has provided me more access to up to date domestic and sexual violence information. The committee has helped me navigate the many policy changes in my role as Title IX Coordinator at College of the Mainland.

Being a part of HCDVCC group has allowed me to tap into the knowledge and expertise of my peers for best practices. It is a wonderful support network that provides a variety of training, resources, and professional connections. It has truly been an empowering experience working with others in the field to brainstorm and collaborate. I am so fortunate to work with so many passionate professionals I can turn to for support. We use our collective power as a group to share valuable resources.

I am confident knowing with HCDVCC I am not alone in this important work and support is only a phone call away! I am grateful for the many resources the agency has provided that I can share with my students and college community.

About the Author

Sarah David, Director of Institution Equity and Title IX Coordinator at College of The Mainland
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Community Share Op-eds

March as Brain Injury Awareness Month

HCDVCC is proud to join with the Brain Injury Association of America and advocates across the country to recognize March as Brain Injury Awareness Month. It is critical to educate advocates and the public on the intersection of traumatic brain injury (TBI) and intimate partner violence (IPV).
What is TBI?
an injury to the brain that is caused by external physical force and is not present at birth or degenerative such as:
– A blow to the head e.g., being hit on the head forcefully with object or fist, having one’s
head smashed against object/wall, falling and hitting head, gunshot to head.
– Shaking of the brain e.g., forceful whip-lash motion, actions that force the brain to hit the wall of the skull.
– A loss of oxygen to the brain (anoxia) e.g., airway obstruction caused by choking, strangulation, near drowning or drug reactions.

TBI can be mild to severe and cause many detrimental effects that impede the pursuit of safety and economic stability.
More than 5.3 million Americans are living with traumatic brain injury-related disabilities at a cost of more than $76.5 billion (in 2010 dollars) each year. The number of people who sustain brain injuries and do not seek treatment is unknown including and especially IPV survivors. More than 3.6 million people sustain an acquired brain injury (any injury to the brain that is not hereditary, congenital, degenerative, or induced by birth trauma each year). That’s one in every 60 people. Few are aware of it, but head injury kills more Americans under the age of 34 than all other causes combined!

Click here for symptoms

About the Author

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