Planting Seeds of Hope for 40 Years
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October is National Domestic Violence Awareness Month and Denton County Friends of the Family is encouraging members of our community #TakeAStand against DV. Since 1981, the month of October has been recognized by the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence as a Day of Unity to victim advocates across the country.
At Denton County Friends of the Family, we commit ourselves every day to help solve the issues of domestic violence in our community. Last year alone, our agency helped over 4,405 individuals affected by domestic violence by providing over 94,000 services. We are asking you to re-commit yourselves this month to stand with us, join us at any of our numerous virtual events this month, and speak out against DV.
If you would like to support by donating or request a silent witness, click the below button:
Donate/Request
Thursday, October 8th: Anniversary Gala
Join us on October 8th for 40th Anniversary Virtual Gala, where we not only kick off Domestic Violence Awareness Month, but also celebrate 40 years of service in Denton County.
Learn more about the event and purchase your tickets today!
Thursday, October 15th: Community Conversation
Join us on Facebook Live for our Community Conversation on Domestic Violence and the impact it has not only on our community but the long lasting impact it has on our clients.
Thursday, October 22nd: Dogs Against Domestic Violence
In lieu of an in-person/in-pup event, we will be hosting a virtual parade.
This year's contest is: Purple Pride, Best Costume, and Crowd Favorite.
This year's Crowd Favorite will be given the title of Grand Marshall!
Submit your pup's photo for this year's contest!
Thank you Muenster Milling for your Support!
Thursday, October 29th: Virtual Candlelight Vigil
Join us on Facebook Live as our agency honors the women who were killed in Texas as a result of domestic violence in 2019. The Facebook Live will take place on the Denton County Friends of the Family Facebook Page.
Purple Post Cards
What is a PURPLE POSTCARD?
Simply stated, a purple postcard is a powerful way for Texans to send a strong united message to our legislators declaring that we stand with survivors and ask for full funding for services for victims of family violence. Purple Postcards from all over the state will send an amplified call to the Texas Legislature to support critical funding for family violence services. TCFV will be delivering your postcard, along with others, directly to your legislators!
WHAT IS THE GOAL?
This year we are excited to launch our new “Supporting Survivors: No Postage Required” campaign—an easy and digital way to reach out to our legislators who make the critical decision about funding for family violence programs.
Our goal is to collect and “deliver” one card for every one of the 71,000 strong survivors, who sought services from family violence programs in the past year. To do this we need over 71,000 cards so please help by completing a card!
Want to do more? Follow our Card Counter below and share this link with your fellow Texans encouraging others to help us reach our 100% goal!
WHAT IS THE MESSAGE?
Current funding for family violence centers does not begin to address the dangerously growing capacity crisis. Last year, approximately 1 out of 2 survivors were turned away due to lack of space. Although shelters and programs maximize scarce resources to save lives, they’re still unable to support a significant number of survivors’ needs.
Without even enough funding for emergency services like shelter, programs lack the resources to meaningfully invest in prevention efforts in their communities and to offer the types of services, like legal and housing assistance, that help support survivors on the road to long-term stability for their families.
To make Texas communities safer, we must secure full funding for these vital support services.
WHY IS THIS YEAR SO IMPORTANT?
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the vast majority of family violence program staff are considered essential workers and need personal protective equipment (PPE) to protect themselves, survivors, while navigating creating shelter and communal spaces aligned with local health department social distancing guidelines. Programs also need support and technology tools to offer important safety, healing and advocacy services virtually. All of this while most programs (63%) are still receiving the same, or more, requests for shelter.
Typical warning signs of abuse
1 in 4 women will experience intimate partner violence