City and community leaders gathered in Austin, Texas, on Thursday to highlight efforts to combat domestic violence. Mayor Kirk Watson signed a proclamation declaring October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month. This initiative aims to amplify the needs, voices, and experiences of survivors.
“Domestic violence can happen to anyone, regardless of age, gender, sexual orientation or economic status,” said Austin Public Health Director Adrienne Sturrup. “Violence and abuse have a disproportionate impact on people from traditionally marginalized communities, where survivors’ voices are often silenced but need to be heard.”
The Office of Violence Prevention (OVP) at Austin Public Health has received a Department of Justice grant aimed at standardizing procedures across the community to keep firearms away from dangerous individuals. The office collaborates with Travis County, the Austin Police Department and Victim Services, the Stop Abuse for Everyone (SAFE) Alliance, and Asian Family Support Services of Austin (AFSSA) to eliminate domestic violence and enhance community safety.
“Since our office was founded just a few years ago, OVP has worked to prevent domestic violence and stop the tragedy of gun deaths,” said Office of Violence Prevention Manager Michelle Myles. “We urge our community to come together and embrace the ways we can heal from violence and hold much-needed space for survivors.”
Statistics show that 60% of mass shooting events between 2014 and 2019 were either domestic violence attacks or perpetrated by those with a history of domestic violence. Additionally, when an abuser has access to a gun, it increases the risk of them killing their victim by 1000%. Every minute in the U.S., 32 people experience intimate partner violence.
The City of Austin is seeking community support in changing these statistics through an OVP survey project funded by the Department of Justice. The survey aims to gather information from survivors who have called law enforcement or applied for Protective Orders due to domestic abuse incidents. The goal is to understand if the criminal justice systems in Austin and Travis County met their needs.
Whether harmed or threatened during a domestic violence incident involving a firearm, survivors' stories matter. Their input can help shape how the city responds to and prevents future incidents.
Community members are encouraged to take part in this confidential survey or share it widely. If currently experiencing violence or in crisis, individuals should call 512-267-SAFE (7233).