City, state eye rise in domestic violence

New efforts come as reports of assaults spike 158%

As domestic violence continues to escalate during the novel coronavirus pandemic, Houston and Texas leaders are taking action to support efforts to save victims’ lives. Reports of aggravated family assaults increased by 158 percent in Harris County from February to March, when Houstonians began to self-quarantine to slow the spread of COVID-19, according to law enforcement officials.

In March, deputies responded to 1,558 reports of domestic violence, according to the Harris County Sheriff ’s Office.

Calls to the Houston Area Women’s Center emergency hotline have increased by 40 percent since the pandemic, said President and CEO Emilee Dawn Whitehurst. Of those calls, a higher percentage than usual have been requests for emergency shelter.

“They want a way out,” White

hurst said. “We can’t let innocent women die.”

The city of Houston announced Wednesday it is partnering with advocacy groups and law enforcement agencies to provide more resources to victims.

The new partnership has launched a citywide awareness initiative to reach vulnerable populations, provide resources for victims and give hotel vouchers to shelters at capacity. A new website, nocovidabuse.org, compiles resources for those concerned about their safety. And 750,000 flyers will be distributed in English and Spanish to help educate the public about domestic violence.

“COVID-19’s impact is being felt most by those who are vulnerable, including victims of domestic violence and human trafficking,” Mayor Sylvester Turner said at a Wednesday press conference. “We know reports of violence have increased as victims are homebound with their abusers. We’re working to keep everyone safe with social distancing, but we recognize that home is not always safe for everyone.”

A $50,000 grant from Uber will help fund the effort. The ride-sharing company also said it would provide free rides to victims of domestic violence and human trafficking to help those in danger more easily leave an abusive home.

Funding waiver

At the state level, Gov. Greg Abbott’s office moved to waive on a one-time emergency basis a requirement that advocacy organizations receiving federal grants contribute up to 25 percent of their own funds back to the federal programs. The waiver will provide relief to 600 organizations in Texas that receive grants from the federal Violence Against Women Act, allowing them to use their funding to address more pressing needs posed by COVID-19.

“Domestic violence agencies can now move forward with confidence that their live-saving services do not hinge on this administrative requirement,” said Texas Council on Family Violence CEO Gloria Aguilera Terry.

The nonprofit, which works with a network of advocacy groups in the state, recently held a meeting with U.S. Sen. John Cornyn,

R-Texas, and 14 other advocacy groups to address what agencies need to meet growing demands for service. After consulting with advocates, U.S. Rep. Michael McCaul, R-Texas, wrote to Vice President Mike Pence to request he encourage America’s hotels to open rooms for victims who need shelter. McCaul represents the 10th district, which stretches from Austin to northwest Harris County and Katy.

The increase in family violence has been seen all over the world since COVID-19. U.N. Secretary General Antonio Guterres said there has been “a horrifying global surge in domestic violence.”

‘We know better’

Before the pandemic, Houston had a higher rate of intimate partner killings than the national average.

After Hurricane Harvey, there was a 45 percent increase in fatal domestic violence in counties impacted by flooding.

Advocates said they knew the pandemic would spur an uptick in violence and prepared for it with lessons learned from the last disaster that upended life in Houston.

“We’re doing something different this time because we know better,” Whitehurst said of officials’ response to the COVID-19 spike.

Whitehurst addressed victims directly during Wednesday’s press conference, ensuring them that they have a safe place to go.

“We know that you may be living in a silent hell, and we want you to know that we’re here for you,” Whitehurst said. “Our shelter is open, and our dedicated team of counselors and advocates are here for you.”

Shelters are following CDC guidelines and practicing social distancing, she said. Administrators are checking staff and residents’ temperatures, cleaning regularly and using masks.

Advocates fear there has been under-reporting of domestic violence, despite the increase in calls. Challenges like a lack of privacy, no contact with people who would see signs of abuse and no access to communication channels may prevent victims from getting help.

“If you’re in an abusive situation, I want you to plan for your safety,” she said. “It can save your life and your children’s lives.”