To bring awareness to Domestic Violence Awareness Month held throughout the month of October, Dublin Police officers and Cross Timbers Family Services employees teamed up to tie purple ribbons on trees at the Corner Lot.
These 135 ribbons represent the 135 individuals in Erath County last year that were victims of domestic violence compared to 64 victims the year before.
“These ribbons don’t just bring awareness to the sad reality of domestic violence in Erath County and surrounding areas but they also serve as a reminder to victims of domestic violence that they are not alone,” Cross Timbers Family Services stated.
Ribbons were also tied in Stephenville with the help of Erath County Sheriff Matt Coates, deputies of ECSO, Stephenville PD and Tarleton State University Police Department.
Cross Timbers Family Services also partnered with area hair and beauty salons to take a stand and “cut out” domestic violence in the communities.
These professional stylists are in the ideal position to recognize when something’s just not quite right with their clients.
Physical signs of abuse like bruises and cuts, or outward behaviors, like self-blame, sudden lifestyle changes and irregular appointments, can indicate that a client or colleague is in trouble. For this reason, salon professionals are in a unique position to recognize warning signs and safely refer clients to local resources, like CTFS.
“We are seeing clients who require more intensive services due to an increase in the severity of their trauma, such as the need for protective orders, counseling, and safety planning,” CTFS Executive Director Laura Gambino said. “We have seen a large increase in the need for protective orders over last year as well.”
Seven women and children were sheltered.
The agency had over 1420 hotline and general information calls. The staff provided over 1,210.75 hours of direct service to an average of 51 clients per month through either crisis intervention, or professional counseling.
Volunteers provided the agency with 7,593 hours of hotline and victim assistance service support.
The mission of Cross Timbers Family Services is to enhance safety and justice by preventing domestic violence, sexual assault, and other violent crimes in communities through empowerment, advocacy, awareness and action for social change. They serve Erath, Comanche, Hamilton, Hood, Bosque and Eastland.
For those who are victims of domestic violence, there are several items that CTFS provides to help. There is a 24-hour crisis hotline run by staff and volunteers trained through SAPCS State curriculum 40-hour training and background checks/ references.
They offer the only 24hour victims assistance & crisis intervention besides 911. They provide emergency shelter (hotel) and transportation as needed, individual/group counseling: two full time Licensed Professional Counselors (LPC’s), safety planning and personal advocacy through bilingual legal advocates, accompaniment (legal, judicial and medical) to court hearings, assistance with CVC, victim impact statements and witness preparation.
They also partner with the Erath County District Attorney’s office for protective orders.
They also offer direct assistance funding on a case-by-case basis for rental deposit, retainer fees, food, clothing, utilities, cell phone, gas cards, driver license fees, birth certificate fees, etc.
All services are free and confidential.
If you are a victim of domestic violence, call (866)934-4357 to reach the 24/7 emergency hotline for help.