People from all walks of life joined together this month with one clear message: ‘We will stop the silence in regards to violence.’ Whether in regards to child abuse, domestic abuse or sexual assault, the communities of Erath County are coming together in the month of April to say ‘We will not be silent.’
At the annual Stop the Silence event Tuesday, April 28, a variety of individuals, community groups and advocates gathered together in observance of National Crime Victims’ Rights Week held April 19-25, Child Abuse Prevention Month and National Sexual Assault Awareness Month.
Erath County District Attorney Alan Nash opened the ceremony with remarks.
“We are here to stand with everyone affected by violence. In our communities, the most front line daily threat to our peace and liberty comes in the form of the criminal who seeks to steal from, to violate, to harm others. Fear of violence in our homes and our streets can make the freedom we value as citizens seem trivial and meaningless,” he said. “Domestic Violence, child abuse, sexual assault, murder all reflect a cheapening of the value of human life. How we treat our families, how we act with our children guides little boys and little girls how to act when they become men and women, dads and moms. It sets the tone on how men and women will treat others and how they will allow themselves to be treated.”
The opening remarks were followed by prayers spoken by representatives from the Ministerial Alliance, colors were placed by the Tarleton State University ROTC, and the National Anthem sang by a Tarleton State University Choir member.
A proclamation for the event was read aloud by County Judge Brandon Huckabee, County Attorney Brandy Espinosa, Assistant ADA Mackinzie Pack, Stephenville Police Chief Dan Harris and Tarleton Police Chief Matt Welch.
A variety of statistics were read by Bikers Against Child Abuse at the event.
In 2026, in Erath County there were more than 42 assaults, 14 sex offense reports, 23 child and elder abuse reports and CPS standbys and 17 family violence reports.
Cross Timbers Family services saw 244 new clients: 209 were survivors of violent crime, those included 136 victims of family violence, 16 child victims, 17 adult survivors of sexual assault, 12 child survivors of sexual assault, and 10 child survivors of physical abuse or neglect. The agency had over 699 hotline and general information calls, 662 hours of professional counseling and crisis intervention. Volunteers provided the agency with 7,789 hours of hotline and victim assistance service support.
Paluxy River Child Advocacy Center conducted 347 forensic interviews of children, 2,189 mental health services and provided 1,071 family advocate services.
Details were given about the following agencies that help victims in Erath County including: CASA – Court Appointed Special Advocates who also serve children of abuse in the county; CPS – Child Protective Services investigates child abuse, neglect, and exploitation cases for the county; CTFS – Cross Timbers Family Services serves children & adult victims of all violent crimes including domestic violence, sexual abuse and child abuse with counseling, legal advocacy, emergency shelter, a 24-hour hotline and 24-hour advocacy in Erath County and all counties surrounding Erath; PRCAC – Paluxy River Children’s Advocacy Center serves victims of all types of abuse in Erath County, Hood County, and Somervell County with forensic interview services, counseling services, and community resources.
“I want to thank you for your willingness to work together as a community for this common purpose. We stand here together today at Stop the Silence to say it takes all of us serving on many different levels – not only in our nonprofits but in the courtroom, the ER, our police stations, EMS, child protective services, counseling services to find justice and healing,” Cross Timbers Family Services Executive Director Laura Gambino said. “We all have our roles to play in supporting survivors.”
A wreath was placed in honor of National Crime Victim Rights Week and supporters walked around the downtown courthouse in solidarity against violence crimes.
A variety of family friendly booths were located at the event.