Family Crisis Center of East Texas recognizes domestic violence awareness month

LUFKIN, Texas (KTRE) - October is National Domestic Violence Awareness Month. This month is used to bring awareness to communities of the suffering from domestic violence, and honor and remember people who have lost their lives to domestic violence.

The Family Crisis Center focuses on providing clients victim-centered, information and confidential services to people who suffer from domestic violence.

Executive Director Whitney Burran says while they work towards advocating and helping victims all year long, October is used to bring awareness of this issue to the community.

“During October, it’s just a time for us to really stop and campaign and really get the public involved on their part and how they can stop domestic violence in the community,” Burran said.

In 2021, 204 Texans were killed by an intimate partner. This number includes 169 women and 35 men. 62 people had separated or ended the relationship and 72 sought help. 2021 was the third highest number of intimate partner homicide in the last decade.

“Statistically it takes someone 7 times before they leave their situation and our role and our goal for our agency is to be with victims and survivors every step of the way. You know whether or not they are ready to leave their situation yet, maybe they are thinking about it, whatever the situation is we just want to meet them where they are and help them navigate through that process,” Burran said.

Burran says educating the community about the different signs of an unhealthy relationship such as jealousy, control, isolation, criticism and group conquest is a part of bringing awareness.

“Every situation is different and so just knowing that something isn’t right, this is not normal, this is not healthy, so just knowing those signs can make you more aware of someone who maybe needs our services,” Burran said.

If you or someone you know is in need of help out of a domestic violence situation, please contact the 24-7 Family Crisis Center hotline at 1-800-828- SAFE

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