Texas Border Business
AUSTIN, Texas – In 2021, more than 40% of domestic violence survivors in Texas were turned away from shelters because of lack of capacity and resources. Texas Council of Family Violence (TCFV) is launching a digital campaign to directly address the issue by mobilizing voters through its Purple Postcards Campaign.
- 40% of domestic violence victims in Texas were denied shelter in 2021 because of lack of capacity and resources, so the Texas Council on Family Violence is asking for $88 million during 88th Texas Legislative Session.
- Newest fatality report shares 204 victims killed by domestic violence in 2021 – third highest total in past decade for Texas.
- Estimated that 1 in 3 Texans have experienced family violence.
- First and easiest step for Texans to make a difference – take one minute to complete a Purple Postcard that will go directly to legislators.
The campaign, launched in anticipation of the 88th Texas Legislative Session, allows Texas residents to make an impact for survivors of violence by electronically signing a Purple Postcard that is delivered directly to their legislator to demonstrate support of full funding for domestic violence services in the upcoming legislative budget.
As the sole coalition of domestic violence agencies in Texas, TCFV released the newest statewide domestic violence fatality report on Oct. 6 – the 2021 Honoring Texas Victims Report – which detailed 204 Texans lost their lives to domestic violence in 2021. It’s the third highest total in Texas’ past decade.
“We can’t help but wonder, ‘If just one shelter could have taken in just 10 more victims seeking safety last year, would the fatality number be lower?’ Two hundred and four mothers, sisters, brothers, children were lost to domestic violence – that’s 204 too many,” said Gloria Aguilera Terry, CEO of TCFV. “This statewide problem requires the entire state to take action. We need Texans to sign Purple Postcards showing support of life-saving services for victims, and we need our legislators to continue to listen to their constituents’ voices.”
“Imagine making that brave call, seeking safety while you fear for your life, and being told there is simply no more space. Understand that’s a reality for some of our Texas neighbors, friends, and family members,” said TCFV’s Director of Public Policy Molly Voyles. “Statistically, 1 in 3 Texans have experienced family violence. We must create a safer Texas, and we must do it together. Start with a Purple Postcard.”
To show support of domestic violence victims and agencies in Texas, Texas residents can fill out a digital Purple Postcard in just one minute. English or Spanish postcards are available at tcfv.org/purple-postcard-campaign.
TCFV plans to ask for $88 million during the 88th Texas Legislative Session in 2023. The total includes funds directed towards addressing the capacity crisis, as well as violence prevention and community education and core level funding. Tactically, these funds will assist with shelter and hotline needs, as well as help reduce barriers for survivors around economic, housing and legal services that are key links in creating safety and autonomy for survivors.
About Texas Council on Family Violence
Texas Council on Family Violence is the only 501(c) 3 nonprofit coalition in Texas dedicated solely to creating safer communities and freedom from family violence. With a state-wide reach and direct local impact, TCFV, with the collective strength of more than 1300 members, shapes public policy, equips service providers, and initiates strategic prevention efforts. Visit us online at http://www.tcfv.org/.
