The following article is the first installment of a five-week series focusing on raising awareness about domestic violence. October is Domestic Violence Awareness month, and we hope to educate our community on this very important issue. In our communities, the Hays-Caldwell Women’s Center has been serving victims of domestic and dating violence, sexual assault, and child abuse since 1978. Last year, HCWC served 2,257 victims of abuse (face-to-face) primarily from Hays and Caldwell Counties.1,165 of those were victims of domestic violence.
October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, a crucial time to educate, advocate and break the silence that surrounds this issue. It’s a period to honor survivors, remember those we have lost and unite in our commitment that violence should never be tolerated.
We can all play our part in ending violence by embodying the healthy dynamics we wish to see, learning the signs of abuse, and understanding how to support survivors. This collective effort is how we foster a culture of safety and respect. Domestic violence touches every part of our state, and by joining together, we can spark awareness, healing and solutions that are rooted right here in Hays County.
Please join us to kick off Domestic Violence Awareness Month. HCWC is proud to host a Texas Council on Family Violence (TCFV) Virtual Town Hall event on Tuesday, Oct. 3, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at the San Marcos Public Library. This powerful town hall will be live-streamed from Austin and will feature survivor voices, key data on intimate partner violence in Texas, and a statewide conversation about how we can all play a role in prevention. Your presence helps elevate this issue locally. Together, we can build a future free from violence.
If you or someone you know needs help with an abusive relationship, please call HCWC’s 24hour HELP line at 512396-4357 to talk to our advocates and learn more about advocacy, counseling and group therapy options for survivors.
