Every October, organizations around the country promote National Domestic Violence Awareness Month to bring attention to lifesaving resources for people who have experienced physical violence, emotional abuse, financial abuse or sexual abuse by family members or intimate partners.
“Domestic violence can impact many aspects of a person’s life, which is why we work to ensure survivors can get wraparound services at family violence centers and shelters across Texas,” said Crystal Starkey, associate commissioner for Family and Youth Services and Supports.
At HHSC, the Family Violence Program provides services at seven nonresidential centers and 71 shelters throughout Texas. The program strives to help survivors through access to community resources, legal advocates and a variety of supports and mental health services, including peer-to-peer counseling.
Family violence programs in Texas provided approximately 1.5 million services to almost 64,000 adults and children in 2022.
Domestic violence awareness dates in October include:
Health Cares About Domestic Violence Day on Oct. 11 aims to educate health care and advocacy communities on the link between the long-term effects of domestic violence and health problems such as smoking, diabetes and substance abuse.
Purple Thursday on Oct. 19 encourages Texans to wear purple as a symbol of peace, courage, survival, honor and personal dedication to domestic violence awareness.
In addition, Texans are encouraged to participate in the #1Thing campaign, which highlights a unified message of one person doing #1Thing to end domestic violence. Share your photos and comments on social media using the hashtags #1Thing and #DVAM.
Source: Texas Health and Human Services
