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Op-eds

Wrap Up of March

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?

The Harris County Domestic Violence Coordinating Council is a domestic violence agency, and as such, part of our mission is to raise awareness about domestic violence and its impact on individuals and communities. This month, we have covered several important topics that are relevant to our mission. These topics included the difference between strangulation and choking, traumatic brain injury (TBI) and Women’s History Month.

Knowing the difference between strangulation and choking, is especially important to highlight because it is a common form of violence that often goes unnoticed or minimized. Most people use the terms interchangeable, but strangulation is a serious form of violence that can cause long-term physical and psychological harm, including brain damage and breathing difficulties. It is also one of the leading predictors of lethality in a relationship. By educating the public about the differences between strangulation and choking and the associated risks, we hope to raise awareness about this often-overlooked but commonly used form of violence and encourage survivors to seek help and support.

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a common consequence of domestic violence. Survivors of domestic violence may experience repeated blows to the head from a perpetrator or repeatedly having their head smashed against something. Both can cause brain damage, memory loss, and other long-term health problems. By raising awareness about the link between domestic violence and traumatic brain injury, we hope to encourage survivors to seek medical attention and support. We also hope this will help to promote policies and programs that address this issue.

Finally, this month is Women’s History Month, which is a time to celebrate the achievements of women and recognize the challenges they face, including domestic violence. We know that domestic violence disproportionately affects women, and we are committed to raising awareness about this issue and advocating for practices that support survivors and promote gender equality.

By addressing these important topics, we hope to educate the public about the impact of domestic violence on our community and encourage survivors to seek assistance. We also hope to promote policies and procedures that address the root causes of domestic violence and promote healthy, respectful relationships. As we continue our work, we remain committed to raising awareness about domestic violence and promoting a society that values safety, respect, and equality for all.