The December holidays are often portrayed as a time of joy, togetherness, and celebration. But for many people living with domestic violence, this season brings heightened danger rather than comfort. Research consistently shows that domestic violence incidents increase during the holidays, creating urgent safety concerns for survivors and their families.
September 23rd, 2025, was a day of celebration for the Harris County Domestic Violence Coordinating Council (HCDVCC) and its community partners as the Domestic Violence Assistance Fund (DVAF) Report was released. The Celebration of Hope was hosted by HCDVCC with the help of Harris County Precinct 4 Commissioner Lesley Briones and her wonderful staff at the Steve Raddack Community Center. Over 70 people gathered to hear Commissioner Briones speak about the tremendous impact this fund has had on Harris County and domestic violence survivors. She praised the amazing work of HCDVCC and the 19 Community Partners who use the DVAF to make a difference in the lives of so many.
September 23rd, 2025, was a day of celebration for the Harris County Domestic Violence Coordinating Council (HCDVCC) and its community partners as the Domestic Violence Assistance Fund (DVAF) Report was released. The Celebration of Hope was hosted by HCDVCC with the help of Harris County Precinct 4 Commissioner Lesley Briones and her wonderful staff at the Steve Raddack Community Center. Over 70 people gathered to hear Commissioner Briones speak about the tremendous impact this fund has had on Harris County and domestic violence survivors. She praised the amazing work of HCDVCC and the 19 Community Partners who use the DVAF to make a difference in the lives of so many.
Abuse doesn’t just hurt in the moment — it can actually change the way your brain works. Survivors often struggle with anxiety, self-doubt, and even changes to brain structures that control memory, emotions, and self-worth. As Reese Witherspoon recently shared about her own experience, leaving abuse meant “rewiring her brain.” The good news is that healing is possible. With support, therapy, and safe environments, the brain can rewire, confidence can be rebuilt, and survivors can rediscover who they are beyond the abuse.
As an agency that convenes the community to discover opportunities to improve services, Harris County Domestic Violence Coordinating Council convened a very special meeting of community stakeholders and survivors in 2016 to look at opportunities to expand the menu of services offered for families affected by domestic violence, and to increase victims’ access to services and safety. This discussion was a collective opportunity for our community to think about innovative ways to go beyond the way services were currently being offered. It was also an opportunity to hear directly from survivors about the needs and challenges they faced in the pursuit of safety.
