Women and safety

Curbing violence

Regarding “HPD targets family abuse” (Page 1A, Oct. 12), October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, a time we remember those who have suffered at the hands of an abuser, celebrate those who have survived abuse and seek to raise awareness about domestic violence.

This month also marks the beginning of an unprecedented and unique partnership between the Houston Area Women’s Center and the Houston Police Department to train all 5,200 officers to effectively respond to domestic violence and sexual assault calls.

In partnering with HPD to develop and deliver this important training, we are providing an opportunity for all officers to acquire the knowledge and skills they need in these tough situations and continuing to ensure that survivors are heard and supported.

Here are the staggering statistics. According to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, 1 in 3 women and 1 in 4 men in the U.S. will be affected by domestic violence in their lifetimes. And nearly 1 in 5 women in the U.S. has been raped, according to the Centers for Disease Control’s National Center for Injury Prevention and Control. Here in Houston last year, HPD officers responded to more than 27,000 family violence calls.

This training partnership will reach every officer, regardless of rank or assignment over a 12-month period. The first class was recently completed, and more classes are under way each week. We applaud HPD’s commitment to continuing to enhance their response to survivors, so that survivors receive the respect, dignity and trust they deserve and to best serve the pursuit of safety and justice throughout our community. Rebecca White, president and CEO, Houston Area

Women’s Center