Impact of Cyclone Beryl on Domestic Violence Victims in Texas
One potential impact of Cyclone Beryl and natural disasters is one that people can’t always see. Natural disasters make victims of domestic violence even more vulnerable as they are trapped in their homes with their abusers with few places to escape. Natural disasters often increase the risk of domestic violence in Texas. According to the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network, 55 percent of sexual assaults occur in or near the victim’s home.
Local Organizations Providing Support
If you or someone you know needs help, there are several organizations in the Greater Houston area that provide support for victims of domestic violence. These organizations offer a variety of services to assist individuals in need of help.
Houston Area Women’s Center (HAWC)
Who are they: The Houston Area Women’s Center helps women, children, and families experiencing domestic violence.
How they can help you: HAWC provides services such as safety planning, emergency shelter, hospital advocacy, and support. They have two hotlines available – the domestic violence hotline at 713-528-2121 and the HAWC sexual assault hotline at 713-528-7273. Spanish services are also available.
Fort Bend Women’s Center
Who are they: The Fort Bend Women’s Center provides services to women, children, and families experiencing domestic violence to help them find safety.
How they can help you: The center offers counseling, case management, emergency shelter, youth programs, and a crisis hotline. You can reach their 24/7 crisis hotline at 281-342-HELP (4357).
Bridge Over Troubled Waters
Who are they: Bridge Over Troubled Waters provides domestic and sexual violence prevention services in Baytown and Pasadena.
How they can help you: Services include crisis intervention, safety planning, counseling, and emergency shelter (Pasadena only). They operate a 24/7 hotline at 713-473-2801.
These organizations play a vital role in supporting and empowering survivors of domestic violence in the Greater Houston area. If you or someone you know is in need of help, do not hesitate to reach out to these local organizations for assistance. Remember, there is help available, and you are not alone.
