Why We Exist

According to The Women’s Resource of Greater Houston and the Harris County Domestic Violence Coordinating Council, an estimated 6,935 women will be sexually assaulted and 52,560 domestic violence incidents will be reported in Harris County this year (Texas Council on Family Violence reports that 35% of domestic violence incidents will go unreported). Not only is domestic violence widespread; it is also a health care issue of epidemic proportions. According to the Family Violence Prevention Fund, “the cost of intimate partner violence exceeds $5.8 billion dollars each year, $4.1 billion of which is for direct medical and mental health services.” National statistics show that, in addition to witnessing abuse, children in approximately 50% of domestic violence situations are also experiencing abuse firsthand. The negative effects of abuse do not end for children when they are physically removed from the violent home or because they grow up. Approximately 51% of children in domestic violence shelters have moderate to severe developmental problems and 41% of children have conduct problems (Project Support, Family Research Center of Southern Methodist University, 2006). Even in homes where the abuse is directed only toward the woman, children may suffer emotional and psychological trauma that can severely disrupt school performance, sleeping and eating patterns, physical health and adult and peer relationships (Sad is How You Feel When Mom is Being Beat, pages 2-3).

Family violence is not only physically, emotionally, psychologically and socially harmful; it impacts financial stability and is a leading factor in homelessness. The Coalition for the Homeless of Houston/Harris County’s recent Enumeration Report concluded half of the homeless women and children in Harris County recently experienced some form of domestic violence. The link between domestic violence and homelessness is further intensified due to the fact that perpetrators of domestic abuse often exercise power and control over their victims in many ways, including: emotional abuse, economic abuse, isolation, threats and physical and sexual abuse. Unhealthy patterns can become integrated into a woman’s view of herself, and the world, so that when she does take the steps to leave, the barriers she must overcome to reach health and self-sufficiency are intensified. These barriersÑlow self-esteem; lack of employment skills, transportation, and life skills; and her lack of support and awarenessÑcan compound a woman’s sense of fear and despair leaving her feeling trapped and forgotten.