While driving through downtown Dublin, citizens may spot a bunch of purple ribbons tied on bushes at the Corner Lot.
This is to symbolize the 157 victims of domestic violence that Cross Timbers Family Services and area law enforcement aided over the past year in honor of Domestic Violence Awareness Month in October.
Each October domestic violence organizations coordinate and participate in local, state, and national events promoting advocacy and raising awareness. Members of the Dublin Police Department aided CTFS employees in tying the ribbons on Friday, Oct. 4.
“Domestic violence affects people from all walks of life, whether rich or poor. We are dedicated to investigating every case thoroughly and ensuring that our victims receive the justice they deserve. Domestic violence will not be tolerated in Dublin, Texas. Together with local victim services, we will continue to fight for a safer community for everyone,” Dublin Police Chief Cameron Ray said.
According to the Texas Advocacy Project, one out of three Texans will experience domestic violence in their lifetime. Girls and young women between the ages of 16 and 24 experience the highest rate of intimate partner violence, almost triple the national average. Protective orders are as much as 80% effective in reducing future violence.
Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM) evolved from the Day of Unity conceived by the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence in October 1981.
In October 1987, the first Domestic Violence Awareness Month was observed, and the first national domestic violence toll-free hotline was established. In 1989, Congress passed Public Law 101112 designating October as National Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Such legislation has passed every year since.
Along with calls regarding domestic violence, CTFS has had a busy year in Erath County.
“It is so important to our work here at Cross Timbers Family Services that the general public understands the intersection of domestic violence and so many other problems in society. It is a complex crime that can affect families for generations if not interrupted. It is so prevalent that one in three TEXANS will experience domestic violence in their lifetime. Locally, our numbers at CTFS have increased since last year,” Cross Timbers Family Services Executive Director Laura Gambino said. “This is a crime we should all be aware of and work together to prevent. The first step is simply being willing to have the conversation, however that may look: participating in prevention education, having a critical conversation with someone in the cycle of DV, attending an awareness event, or simply gaining a better understanding of local resources in addition to law enforcement. All of these things can work together to bring support to survivors and prevention to future generations.”
Anyone who needs immediate assistance can call the 24-hour crisis hotline at 866-934-4357.
The national Domestic Violence Hotline which is 24/7 with multiple languages including Spanish is 1-800799-7233.