Representatives from agencies, businesses and organizations across Angelina County gathered Tuesday for a Family Violence Forum, to look at how they could be involved in making a difference.
The Family Crisis Center of East Texas is going into its 30th year, and with it begins a prevention initiative, "It's Never Too Late ... To Stop the Abuse!" The goal is to draw attention to the fact that no matter the time a person has been abused, be it 30 seconds, days or years, it is not too late to end the cycle of abuse.
Denise Hoepfner/The Lufkin Daily News |
Maria Rodriquez, a legal advocate for the Janelle Grum Family Crisis Center, was one of the lunchtime speakers at the Family Violence Forum held Tuesday. Rodriguez told the story of her sister Julia, who was shot and killed by her husband. He was captured 13 years later, after he beat another woman to death. Since then, Rodriguez has taken a stand against domestic violence by volunteering and working in different capacities.
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The event Tuesday hosted by Harmony Hill Baptist Church brought together people representing business, criminal justice, domestic violence services and community partners, economic empowerment and self-sufficient advocates, educators, faith leaders, health and mental health professionals, youth services and media.
"The insight, ideas, and expertise that participants offered regarding family violence in our area will be used by our agency to develop a three-year plan on combating abuse in Angelina County," said Joann Black, assistant director of the Family Crisis Center of East Texas.
Information will also be used to take a fresh look at the issue and expand efforts to engage new partners in that effort, said Margi Preston, executive director, and Trish Inselmann, president of the board of directors, in a letter to panelists. Preston said the forum was a success, with a "very generous" turnout.
"It was amazing to see so many people turnout to be a part of the solution," she said. "... Individual interest and commitment that came from today's forum not only strengthens our ability to address family violence as a whole community, but also launches our "It's never too late...to stop the abuse" campaign," Preston said.
In May 2008, the Janelle Grum Family Crisis Center opened its doors with an expanded facility. The women's shelter in 2008 took 1,950 calls to its crisis line, and sheltered 320 people.
Paula Havard, executive director of the Pregnancy Help Center, attended the forum, and said domestic violence is a real issue that should be seriously considered, whether its effects were showing in ways big or small.
"We have to take it seriously, before its too late," she said. "It affects society as a whole."
Stanley Miller, with Adult Probation, said domestic violence was not relegated to one particular part of culture, and it hits every aspect of life. A crisis was no respecter of schedules — it could come at any time, or any day, he said.
"I'm very glad the women's shelter is active in the community, and I'm glad they are endeavoring to become more involved out in the community," he said.
A 24-hour domestic violence hotline is available at (800) 828-7233 for crisis intervention, safety planning, immediate access to advocates, and shelter. The main office for the Lufkin shelter is at 2401 Davisville Road. Call (936) 639-1681 for information. The center serves a nine-county area, including Angelina, Houston, Polk, Sabine, San Augustine, San Jacinto, Shelby, Trinity and Nacogdoches.
