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Category: DVAM

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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
Community DVAM Op-eds

The Importance of Community and the Power of Friendships

Friendship and Community

In the spirit of National Friendship Day on August 6th, we are reminded of the significance of community and the invaluable friendships that strengthen the bonds within it. As a nonprofit organization deeply rooted in our community, we cherish the relationships we have cultivated with our community partners. These partnerships not only enhance our ability to make a positive impact but also serve as a testament to the remarkable parallels between communities and friends. Let us explore the profound connection between community and friendship and why they both play vital roles in our lives. Communities and friendships are built on a foundation of trust, support, and shared values. Just as friendships thrive on mutual respect and understanding, communities thrive when individuals come together with a common purpose, supporting, and uplifting one another. Both friendships and communities provide a sense of belonging, creating spaces where individuals can be themselves and find solace in the support of others.

Communities, much like friendships, possess an incredible power to bring about positive change. When people unite for a common cause, the collective impact becomes greater than the sum of individual efforts. In a community, diverse perspectives, skills, and experiences converge to tackle challenges, create opportunities, and foster growth. By harnessing the power of community, we can achieve remarkable feats and make a lasting difference.

Friends are often there for us during life’s highs and lows, providing a shoulder to lean on and celebrating our successes. Similarly, communities serve as support systems that lend a helping hand in times of need and offer collective celebrations during moments of triumph. Whether it is providing aid during crises, organizing events that promote unity, or offering resources to those less fortunate, communities act as a network of caring individuals, extending the warmth and compassion of friendship to those within their reach.

True friends motivate us to become the best versions of ourselves, supporting our dreams and pushing us to exceed the limits we place on ourselves. Communities operate in a similar way, offering opportunities for personal and collective growth. Through community engagement, we learn from one another, share knowledge and expertise, and empower each other to develop skills that contribute to the betterment of the whole. In this way, communities foster an environment of continuous learning and inspiration, much like the most nurturing friendships.

During challenging times, the presence of friends can provide immense comfort and resilience. In the same manner, communities act as a source of strength and support when faced with adversity. Whether it is rallying together to overcome a crisis or lending a listening ear during personal struggles, communities and friendships alike promote mental, emotional, and social well-being. Knowing that we have a network of friends within our community provides a sense of security and stability that contributes to our overall happiness and resilience.

As we celebrate National Friendship Day, let us acknowledge the profound connection between community and friendship. Both serve as cornerstones in our lives, enriching our experiences, and propelling us towards positive change. Let us continue to foster strong bonds within our community, embracing the shared values, support, and growth that come with it. Together, as friends within our communities, we can build a brighter future and create a world where friendship and community intertwine to uplift us all.

About the Author

Rebecca Councill, Social media, Manager of Operations and Communications

Manager of Communications and Operations of HCDVCC,

Rebecca Councill

Categories
DVAM neurofeedback Op-eds TBI

Why Neurofeedback

The Harris County Domestic Violence Coordinating Council consistently seeks to identify the gaps that create barriers for survivors to have access to safety and services, hold those who do harm accountable and prevent homicides related to domestic violence.

HCDVCC is on the cusp of establishing innovative programming, specific to neurofeedback therapy, to respond to IPV survivors unique needs and concerns and will be introducing a new Neurofeedback pilot program to address the affects of domestic violence on the survivor related to overall emotional wellness.

Why Neurofeedback?
According to the research by Dr. Huda “Shay” Shaikh, the volatile nature of intimate partner violence (IPV) can make survivors vulnerable to experiencing PTSD symptoms. The prevalence of PTSD symptoms among survivors of IPV is becoming a vast area of interest in the mental health field. Regarding the dynamics of IPV, researchers have asserted that IPV survivors are at a higher risk for PTSD and other mental health concerns such as depression. Given each IPV survivors needs, and concerns tend to be unique, alternative modalities in conjunction with trauma-focused therapeutic modalities are being utilized to respond to symptom reduction and care.

Neurofeedback is defined as a noninvasive, neurocognitive intervention that targets brain wave activity and focuses on training the brain to work towards self-regulation (Nooner et al., 2017). Alternative therapeutic modalities, such as NFB, are presently being introduced to special populations such as veterans across the United States by organizations such as Team Semper Fi and The Lone Survivor Foundation in response to traumatic brain injury (TBI) and PTSD symptoms. NFB therapy aims to train the brainwave patterns for the brain to work towards self-regulation (Nooner et al., 2017). Quantitative electroencephalogram (qEEG) guided NFB, otherwise known as brain mapping guided NFB, is the advised path for NFB therapy given its ability to offer a more personalized treatment plan (Wigton & Krigbaum, 2019).

Brain mapping is a process that captures the unique brainwave pattern of an individual undergoing the qEEG. Given that no two individuals will have the same brainwaves, a qEEG provides an exclusive look at an individual’s brain, as unique as their fingerprint. Based on the qEEG recording of the individual’s brainwaves, the clinician develops a treatment plan for that individual. Once the treatment plan is developed, the individual initiates NFB sessions based on the protocols detailed in their individualized treatment plan. Therefore, qEEG-guided NFB allows clinician to create a treatment plan specialized for that individual and their specific brain wave Patterns (Brown et al., 2019). While NFB has been utilized as an intervention for various disorders for four decades, its solidification as an evidence-based therapy for PTSD has yet to be established. However, research has been conducted supporting its helpfulness in mitigating PTSD symptoms. Utilizing NFB therapy to relieve PTSD symptoms is a growing scholarly field.

Dr. Huda “Shay” Shaikh is a Licensed Professional Counselor Supervisor, National Certified Counselor, Board Certified Neurofeedback Clinician, and Board Approved Neurofeedback Mentor. She graduated with a B.S. in Psychology from The University of Houston and earned a Master of Arts in Counseling from the University of Texas at San Antonio. Shay completed her doctoral program in Counselor Education and Supervision in September 2022. Her dissertation was focused on comparing the modalities, EMDR and NFB, in response to intimate partner violence survivor PTSD treatment. Given her passion for trauma work, in addition to being a Neurofeedback clinician, Shay is trained in EMDR therapy, is a CPT provider, trained in providing TF-CBT and well versed in play therapy strategies.

Having a passion for trauma and program management, Shay has worked with a diverse set of populations providing trauma therapy and neurofeedback therapy. Throughout her career, she has been instrumental in building trauma focused programs at different agencies. With a passion for working with combat veterans, Shay has also been a contracted Neurofeedback clinician with the Lone Survivor Foundation to serve those that served our nation. Formerly, with Region 4 Education Service Center, Shay led a trauma team in the Santa Fe District to implement systems and provide trauma-wellness counseling services to students and staff in the district in response to the May 18th mass violence tragedy at Santa Fe High School. Upon the completion of the trauma-focused project with Region 4, Shay worked with the Fort Bend County Women’s Center as their Neurofeedback Supervisor and Counselor to provide mental health services to survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault. Presently, she works with the Harris County Domestic Violence Coordinating Council (HCDVCC) as their Neurofeedback Program Manager/Clinician. Her main responsibility is to establish the neurofeedback therapy program in response to IPV survivor care.

About the Author

Neurofeedback Program Manager

Dr. Huda “Shay” Shaikh

Categories
DVAM Mental Health Awareness Month PTSD Awareness Month PTSD Awareness Month Blog Header

Understanding the Link Between Domestic Violence Trauma and PTSD: Self-Care Tips for Healing

Domestic violence is a pervasive issue that affects millions of individuals worldwide, leaving long-lasting physical, emotional, and psychological scars. Among the various consequences survivors may face, one often overlooked but significant outcome is post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). This article aims to shed light on the relationship between domestic violence trauma (DV) and PTSD, exploring its impact and providing practical self-care tips to support survivors on their healing journey.

There is a complex connection between DV and PTSD. Domestic violence encompasses a range of abusive behaviors that one person uses to exert power and control over another in an intimate relationship. These traumatic experiences can deeply affect survivors, leading to the development of PTSD. The connection between DV and PTSD lies in the enduring sense of fear, helplessness, and ongoing exposure to psychological, emotional, and physical harm.

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a complex condition that arises from experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event. Survivors of domestic violence often exhibit symptoms consistent with PTSD, including:

  • Intrusive Memories: Vivid flashbacks, nightmares, or distressing thoughts that recur unexpectedly, reminding survivors of traumatic experiences.
  • Avoidance and Numbing: A tendency to avoid places, people, or activities that may trigger memories of trauma, coupled with emotional detachment and loss of interest in once-enjoyed activities.
  • Hyperarousal and Hypervigilance: Heightened anxiety, difficulty sleeping, irritability, and an ongoing state of alertness, as if anticipating danger.
  • Negative Cognition and Mood: Persistent negative thoughts, self-blame, guilt, feelings of shame, and a distorted sense of self-worth.

While seeking professional help is crucial for survivors of domestic violence, integrating self-care practices into their healing journey can play a significant role in rebuilding their lives. Here are some self-care tips to consider:

  • Prioritize Safety: Ensure physical and emotional safety by creating a safe environment, developing a safety plan, and establishing a support network of trusted individuals.
  • Seek Professional Support: Connect with mental health professionals specializing in trauma and domestic violence to guide you through the healing process and provide evidence-based therapies like cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) or Neurofeedback.
  • Practice Mindfulness and Grounding Techniques: Engage in activities that help you stay present, such as deep breathing exercises, meditation, or grounding techniques like focusing on the senses or repeating affirmations.
  • Engage in Self-Compassion: Cultivate self-compassion by treating yourself with kindness, acknowledging your strength and resilience, and practicing self-acceptance.
  • Establish Healthy Boundaries: Set clear boundaries in your relationships and learn to say no when necessary. Prioritize your needs and create a sense of empowerment and control over your life.
  • Engage in Supportive Communities: Connect with support groups, online forums, or local organizations that provide a safe space to share experiences, gain support, and build a sense of community with fellow survivors.
  • Engage in Self-Expression: Explore creative outlets such as writing, art, or music to express and process your emotions in a healthy and constructive manner.

The journey of healing from domestic violence trauma and managing PTSD can be arduous, but it is not one survivors must face alone. By understanding the connection between domestic violence trauma and PTSD and implementing self-care practices, survivors can begin reclaiming their lives and nurturing their well-being. It is essential to be patient and compassionate with oneself throughout the process. By prioritizing safety, seeking professional support, practicing mindfulness, establishing healthy boundaries, engaging in supportive communities, and embracing self-expression, survivors can take important steps toward healing and nurturing resilience. Remember, you are not defined by the trauma you have experienced. With time, support, and self-care, it is possible to reclaim your sense of self and move forward on a path of healing, growth, and empowerment.

About the Author

Rebecca Councill, Manager of Communications and Operations

Manager of Communications and Operations of HCDVCC,

Rebecca Councill

Categories
Community Share domesticviolenceshelters DVAM Op-eds Sexual Assault

Houston Area Domestic Violence Providers Study – The Article

Blog Header for article "effects that domestic violence has on survivors’ mental health".

To download a copy of this study, please click the button below.

About the Author

headshot of Dr. Elizabeth Gregory

Professor of English and Director of Women’s Gender & Sexuality Studies

Elizabeth Gregory, Taylor Professor of Gender & Sexuality Studies and Professor of English, directs the WGSS Program and the UH Institute for Research on Women, Gender & Sexuality. She writes on Marianne Moore’s poetry and women’s work and fertility. Read more about her here.

Categories
Community Share domesticviolenceshelters DVAM Op-eds Sexual Assault

Houston Area Domestic Violence Providers Study

Blog Header for article "effects that domestic violence has on survivors’ mental health".

UH Institute for Research on Women, Gender & Sexuality
Report to the Community

February 2023

Houston Area Domestic Violence Providers Study
+ Initial Local DV Data Aggregation

Study recommends major investment in DV infrastructure as IPV homicides double in 3 years

This report shares the results of UH-IRWGS’s study of regional Domestic Violence [DV] Service Providers, based on interviews and group discussions with leaders of 12 local DV shelters and nonresidential agencies. It recommends significant community investment in expanded DV infrastructure coordination and staffing, to move from the current model of limited response to overwhelming demand to a model that allows the community to not only address DV cases more effectively but to analyze and address causes as well.

In addition, the report contains an initial aggregation of regional DV data – including data from some shelters, law enforcement, and nonresidential service providers (see Supplement). Future reports will provide more detail and include data from more sources.<p/p>

Executive Summary

Houston has a major problem with Domestic Violence assaults and homicides: Calls for Shelter and Calls for Service from the police are high, and IPV homicides doubled between 2019 and 2022, rising from 32 to 64 across the two largest police departments in Harris County (HPD and HCSO).

  • Violence is rampant in this region, across ranks. As was indicated by the recent IPV assault by the (now former) UT basketball coach and January DV cases involving a house set fire with family members within and the decapitation of a young immigrant bride.
  • We need a stronger DV infrastructure to turn the tide.
  • Based on qualitative interviews and group discussions with local DV service providers as well as local data analysis, this report recommends a significant strategic investment in strengthening the currently under-resourced DV service-provider collaborative. A centralized coordination infrastructure, with administrative staff based both centrally and within individual agencies, would enable DV providers across the region (shelters and nonresidential providers in collaboration with law enforcement, courts, and other social services agencies encountering DV) to operate and strategize collaboratively, improve and expand services, and address causes.
  • While funds for direct services are essential, expanded investment in DV infrastructure would be a game changer.
  • Currently, each provider operates on its own, creating inefficiencies at all levels: operational redundancies, inconsistent standards, a lack of unified voice on DV, and, because each is overtaxed with providing service to those at their door, an inability to see much beyond the immediate need
  • The collaborative needs a core administrative team, including an Operations Manager, a Communications Coordinator, a Researcher/Evaluator and a Grant Writer, based in the Harris County DV Coordinating Council. In addition, expanded staffing is needed within provider organizations to carry out collaborative initiatives. An investment for this purpose of $1,000,000 / year for five years from local funders would be transformative
  • A smaller initial infrastructure investment would get change under way, but working by half measures as has long been the case in this region will not enable the real change needed. Over time, grant funding will increase, to cover costs.
  • This significant strategic investment will allow providers to
    • analyze and reframe their services & policies
    • deliver services more effectively
    • work with agencies across the community to address the causes of violence in our region
    • raise more funds and expand services
    • advocate for regional policy change around the issues that give rise to DV

Newly Aggregated DV Data

  • You can’t fix a problem, if you don’t know what it is. Due to costs and complexity, the limited DV data collected to date has not previously been combined to provide a full regional picture. This groundbreaking report begins to aggregate local DV data. Future reports will provide more detail and include data from more shelters, agencies & regional police departments, with a goal to inform response.
  • The Covid emergency raised the level of domestic violence in the Houston area. And per HPD and HCSO data, identified Intimate Partner Violence [IPV] homicides continued to rise after the lockdown ended—doubling in their combined jurisdictions between 2019 and 2022, rising from 32/year to 64/year over that period. That’s a 73% rise in HPD – and 160% in HCSO (a combined 100% rise). [See Figure S-3.]
  • The rise overlaps with the move to permit-less carry which went into effect in Texas in September 2021. Between 2020 and 2022 the number of HPD IPV homicides committed with a gun increased by 61%, while the overall number of IPV homicides increased by 52%. While other factors may play in, the easy availability of guns puts many women at risk for homicide, as well as for terroristic threats of homicide within IPV situations.
  • While overall homicides and non-IPV FV homicides fell in 2022 in HPD data, IPV homicides continued to rise.
  • Calls for shelter have also risen steadily since the lockdown, to rates above what they were prior to March 2020, and callers are regularly turned away for lack of space.
  • Overall DV calls for service have fallen since 2020 in both HPD and HCSO, but numbers remain high: HPD received between 25,000 to 27,000 calls for service around DV for 2019-2021. This data is not sortable by IPV, so we don’t know if there is an effect similar to that in the homicide data differentiating IPV and non-IPV outcomes. We have not received complete 2022 data, but it looks on track to roughly 24,000 in 2022.
  • Many thousands more suffer without reaching out, not believing things would improve if they did or not knowing that help is available.
  • Harris County has 330 shelter beds, while New York City, with twice the population, has more than ten times as many shelter beds, at 3500.
  • Though affordable housing is the best solution for many, it is not widely available; shelters, nonresidential providers and mobile advocates provide alternatives for those in immediate need.
  • A targeted investment in DV administrative infrastructure can turn the tide on DV assaults and homicides.
  • Improved victim service delivery along with a community violence prevention focus will benefit all Houstonians.
  • Though this change will require significant start-up costs, the infrastructure thus created will increase ability to bring in more federal and other external funds down the line.

Additional Findings

  • The high volume of people experiencing IPV in this region links directly to the state’s low level of family support infrastructure, the lack of affordable housing and the low wages earned by Texas women.
  • People dependent on others, especially those with children they don’t want to unhouse, become more vulnerable to violence at the hands of those they depend upon.
  • This is true at any income level but is particularly true for those at low incomes. Since higher-income women may be able to leave when things get grim and still keep their children and themselves housed, they are less likely to utilize shelters than low-income women. Higher-income women more often employ the safety planning resources providers offer.
  • Though Houston’s DV service providers were already strapped before the pandemic, since its onset and in the face of multiplying demand, DV shelters and other providers have stepped up services, helped by Covid Emergency federal funds. Before these funds are gone, the community needs to reorganize its response to DV for the long haul.
  • While DV providers have offered survivors a range of services for some time, the pandemic spurred innovations that have improved service delivery overall: including Bed Availability App, DV High Risk Teams / DART, Mobile Advocacy, Flexible Funding, Text Hotlines, Hotel Stays, Longer Stays, etc.
  • Many in need do not know of, or feel distrustful of, DV service providers, so clearer communications and continued trust building are needed.
  • Transportation is a major issue for those seeking shelter across Harris County.
  • The HCDVCC coordinated housing queue is a great improvement on the past, but it met less than one third of eligible demand in 2022.
  • Staff burnout has been a huge issue for shelters during Covid.
  • Black women in economic precarity are overrepresented in shelter in Harris County.
  • Undocumented Hispanic women suffering DV seem underrepresented in shelters, likely due to threats of deportation from their abusers or lack of information on their rights.
  • Asian and Muslim women generally reach out to culturally specific DV agencies, when they reach out.
  • The leadership of DV agencies is now more inclusive of women of color than it has been historically, enabling wider range of insight and overcoming of survivors’ distrust.
  • All DV leaders need sustained support and engagement from the community as they struggle to address the ongoing DV crisis here.
CLICK HERE TO SEE THE STUDY

About the Author

headshot of Dr. Elizabeth Gregory

Professor of English and Director of Women’s Gender & Sexuality Studies

Elizabeth Gregory, Taylor Professor of Gender & Sexuality Studies and Professor of English, directs the WGSS Program and the UH Institute for Research on Women, Gender & Sexuality. She writes on Marianne Moore’s poetry and women’s work and fertility. Read more about her here.

Categories
Children DVAM Sexual Assault

April – SAAM & CAPM

Each April we take time to pause and reflect on Sexual Assault and Child Abuse. Sexual Assault Awareness Month and Child Abuse Prevention Month include many events that are meant to raise awareness about Sexual Assault and to talk about preventing Child Abuse. Teal and blue ribbons are worn, tied to trees and fences to remind people that we need to address both serious issues. While we in the field are aware of the significance of this month, many in the community are not. Most people think of sexual assault as it only happens to other people, or it can’t ever happen to me because I do not do anything that can “cause” it to happen to me.

The National Sexual Violence Resource Center (NSVRC) defines sexual assault as any type of unwanted sexual contact. This includes words and actions of a sexual nature against a person’s will and without their consent. For example, if someone forces you to kiss them or touches you in a way that makes you feel uncomfortable or fearful, this is sexual assault. It’s important to note that it doesn’t have to be physical—any kind of verbal pressure for sex or even just suggesting sex without consent is also considered sexual assault. Also worth mentioning is never pressure children to hug an adult, to keep any type of secrets, and make sure they understand the difference between good touches and places they should not be touched.

Survivors need access to emotional and practical support to heal from their trauma. Rape, Abuse and Incest National Network (RAINN) and local organizations provide 24/7 hotline services with trained professionals who can discuss options with survivors and offer advice on how they can move forward after an experience with sexual violence. Our local agencies also offer support groups where survivors can talk with one another in a safe space. These spaces provide a sense of community and understanding that can be healing for those affected by this crime.

In addition to supporting survivors, it’s important for everyone to educate themselves about the signs of potential abuse so that they can intervene when necessary. Education around healthy relationships is key in preventing future instances of sexual violence from occurring. Teaching young people about consent and mutual respect early on will help set them up for success later in life. Especially, if they find themselves in a potentially dangerous situation that could escalate into something more serious.

Sexual Assault Awareness Month and Child Abuse Prevention Month serve as an important reminder that we all need to do our part in combating this pervasive problem by supporting victims, educating ourselves on prevention measures, and working towards creating a culture where everyone feels safe and always respected. Be sure to check out the NSVRC and RAINN’s websites if you or someone you know needs help dealing with matters related to sexual assault or abuse. For more information on Child Abuse you can visit Child Help National Child Abuse hotline. Together we can create positive change!

Categories
DVAM Op-eds Press Release Uncategorized

Statement to KPRC 2

Statement to KPRC 2

By: Barbie Brashear and Amy Smith

The blatant disregard for the safety of the victim in the Aubrey Taylor case is just another concern in the long line of issues relating to how Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) is addressed in Harris County. Harris County consistently leads our State in IPV homicides. The Harris County Domestic Violence Coordinating Council and our Community Partners have numerous programs in place to assist victims of IPV but without the support of the entire Community and especially all involved within the Criminal Justice System, we will keep leading the State in IPV homicides.

There are many barriers to leaving an abusive situation, one including increased violence and risk for homicide when making the decision to leave. How will the victim be safe from their abuser? For a victim, knowing her offender is in custody gives her the ability to develop and employ a safety plan for when and if the perpetrator is released. This respite has increasingly become even shorter with the bond conditions that are being assigned case after case.

One can only imagine the depth of terror felt by the victim while being held by the offender over several days. The abuse the victim suffered at his hands is unfathomable. While we know an offender is innocent until proven guilty, his previous convictions lead us to believe that he perhaps is not going to follow the law, that committing further violence in the future is more than possible, and our system will not hold him accountable. The intimate partner violence field has tools and knowledge that can be used by criminal justice systems to assess for risk for intimate partner violence and the likelihood of homicide to occur. These tools can be used by law enforcement as well as the judicial response to assist in decision making including the assignment of appropriate bonds – WHY ARE WE NOT USING THEM? Harris County is the 3rd largest county in the United State and we lag far behind in dedicating resources to ensuring that our systems and first responders are using the most up to date tools and technology. Additionally, we lag behind in ensuring that all of our systems are looking at the same information related to cases. What is happening that Judges aren’t looking at the totality of the case or of the history – why is our county not using evidence-based risk assessment tools to make consistent and informed decisions? Assigning bonds should require the use of the most reliable and validated tools that can ensure that these decisions are informed by information rather than personal speculation. In the case at hand, the assigning of a low bond – $1 – sends the message to the alleged offender that acts of violence against a loved one are really no big deal and the system will not be holding you accountable for the violence. The message the victim receives is that her life and the lives of all those suffering from IPV are not important and again, the system will not create a way to hold the person using violence accountable, nor afford her the time to increase her safety.

IPV has deadly consequences that can be seen every day. It is a crime that requires serious and thoughtful actions throughout the responding systems to ensure that victims are believed, supported, and protected. Harris County needs to step up and support victims and not treat the abuse they suffer as a family problem. It is a community problem requiring a coordinated community response.

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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