The following article is the second 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, with 1,165 of those being victims of domestic violence.
The intersection of lethality and domestic violence remains one of the most urgent, yet preventable public safety issues in our communities. Each year, lives are lost due to intimate partner violence that escalates to fatal outcomes.
At the Texas Council on Family Violence Townhall Oct. 3, advocates unveiled the Honoring Texas Victims report. This annual publication memorializes those tragically killed by a current or former partner over the past year. This report not only honors lives lost, but also serves as a critical call to action on how we can better protect victims, hold offenders accountable and ultimately save lives.
Domestic violence fatalities are not isolated incidents; they are the tragic culmination of patterns of power, control and missed opportunities for intervention. The report underscores the importance of community-wide responsibility, like raising awareness, recognizing red flags and promoting early, proactive support.
Prevention is possible. By investing in safety planning, survivor-centered services and education on healthy relationships, we can shift the narrative. Ending domestic violence starts with valuing lives, fostering respect and holding systems accountable.
Everyone has a role to play in making safe homes and communities. Together, we can move toward a future where every relationship is healthy and no more lives are lost to preventable violence.
If you or someone you know needs help with an abusive relationship, please call HCWC’s 24-hour HELPline at 512-396-4357 to talk to our advocates and learn more about advocacy, counseling and group therapy options for survivors.
