Austin, Texas – May 8, 2013– The Texas Council on Family Violence (TCFV) today praises the Texas Legislature for their overwhelming support passing legislation to protect victims of domestic violence.

The Texas House and the Texas Senate passed SB 743 by Texas State Senator Jane Nelson, R-Flower Mound. The bill will better protect victims of domestic violence from individuals who continually violate protective orders. Rep. Eddie Lucio, D-Brownsville, sponsored the bill in the House. The bill now goes to the Governor for his signature.

SB 743 creates a 3rd degree felony for offenders who violate a protective order two or more times within a 12-month period while the first violation is still pending in court.

“This legislation will further protect victims of domestic violence,” said Gloria A. Terry, President of the Texas Council on Family Violence. “People who repeatedly violate protective orders represent a serious risk of danger to victims of domestic violence. We are always working to review our current laws and pass new laws like SB 743 to better protect Texans. We thank Senator Nelson and Representative Lucio for their leadership and working with the Texas Council on Family Violence for many years to pass strong laws to protect victims of domestic violence,” said Terry.

102 women died in domestic violence deaths in 2011 in Texas. Last year nearly 80,000 women, children and men found safe sanctuary from violence at domestic violence shelters. State funding helps support sixty-nine 24-hour shelters, 10 non-residential centers and 16 special project sites.

By giving our prosecutors another tool to deter individuals who commit these crimes, we can better protect victims of abuse,” said Senator Nelson. “This legislation will save lives, and I am proud to see it on its way to the Governor’s desk.”

Protective orders are the state’s message through the court system to a batterer that continued violence is not acceptable. Unfortunately, batterers ignore court mandated protective orders, often doing so more than once, doing so close in time and even while another violation of protective order criminal case is pending.

As a case makes its way through the court system, it may take 12 months or more to dispose of one violation of protective order case, during which time the offender can continue to violate the offense and the offense remains the same level offense (a class A misdemeanor). This measure will make two or more violations within a single year chargeable as a third degree felony.

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The Texas Council on Family Violence (TCFV), formed in 1978, is one of the largest domestic violence coalitions in the nation. TCFV promotes safe and healthy relationships by supporting service providers, facilitating strategic prevention efforts, and creating opportunities for freedom from domestic violence. HYPERLINK “http://www.tcfv.org”www.tcfv.org

MEDIA CONTACT:
Angela Hale, 512.289.2995
angela@redmediagroup.com

“We thank the Round Rock Express for hosting the Texas Council on Family Violence,” said Gloria A. Terry, President of the Texas Council on Family Violence.  “There is no greater threat to the fabric of our society than that of violence in the home. We are thrilled to partner with the team to get the message out to baseball fans,” said Terry.

The Texas Council on Family Violence shared an important message today at the ballpark to speak up and say violence is never acceptable. In a new statewide push, the Texas Council on Family Violence and domestic violence programs across Texas are working with many prominent men and sports figures to take a public stand against domestic violence. The Round Rock Express joins the Dallas Mayor, Dallas Cowboys Football star Jason Witten, former Dallas Cowboys Troy Aikman, Roger Staubach and Emmitt Smith.

We believe by working together we can make a difference in the lives of Texas families.

MEDIA CONTACTS:
Angela Hale, 512.289.2995, angela@redmediagroup.com

CONTACT:  Angela Hale – 512-289-2995 /angela@redmediagroup.com

Austin, Texas—April 22, 2013—This week Texans are commemorating National Crime Victims’ Rights Week. Statewide organizations that serve victims of crime will be holding a series of events to raise awareness about crime victim issues.

Tree Planting on Capitol Grounds to Honor & Remember Suzanne McDaniel

A tree will be planted on the grounds of the Texas State Capitol to celebrate the life and honor the memory of Suzanne McDaniel.  Suzanne was a pioneering crime victims’ rights advocate who ushered in a new era of support and assistance for victims of crime across Texas and the nation.  In 1976, she created the first prosecutor-based victim services program in Texas in the Harris County District Attorney’s Office.  She also worked helping victims of crimes for the Attorney General’s office and Congressman Ted Poe’s U.S. Congressional Victims’ Rights Caucus named an award in her name to honor victim advocates who follow Suzanne’s path.   She passed away in 2012 after a long battle with cancer.  The tree planting ceremony will be Monday April 22, from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m. on the south lawn of the Capitol Grounds between the Capitol and the Texas State Library and Archives Commission.

 Exclusive Screening of Heaven’s Rain – Based on the True Story of Crime Survivor Brooks Douglass

Brooks Douglass is a victim, survivor, father, husband, brother, and son.  At a young age, Mr. Douglass and his sister, Leslie, were both shot and witnessed the murder of   their mother and father in their own home.  In an attempt to address some of the injustices that he and his sister faced as crime victims, Brooks enrolled in law school.  One month before receiving his law degree, he was elected as the youngest State Senator in Oklahoma history.  Since then, Mr. Douglass has been serving victims of crime and changing laws to help guide victims through the criminal justice system.  Mr. Douglass also co-wrote and produced the movie Heaven’s Rain about his life, in which he played his father. He lives in Plano.

The movie screening will be held on the UT Campus on Monday, April 22 at 7 p.m. at the Utopia Theatre, School of Social Work, 1925 San Jacinto Blvd.

Crime Victims’ Rights Ceremony

The ceremony is a way to provide communities across the United States with a unique way to raise awareness about crime-victim issues, by identifying and reaching out to victims who need our help, and by thinking anew about how to help individuals and communities harmed by crime.

The 2013 theme—New Challenges-New Solutions - reflects the increasingly complex mission of victim advocates today. We face emerging challenges, such as globalization, changing demographics, immigration, human trafficking, terrorism, new types of crime, and the use of technology both to commit and solve crimes. We also confront enduring challenges. Victims’ rights are not universal and often not enforced. Victims do not always receive the dignity and respect they deserve. Victims often absorb the physical, emotional, and financial costs of crime largely by themselves.

Many victims of crime will gather at the ceremony to remember their loved ones and bring awareness to the victims of child abuse, sexual abuse, domestic violence, drunken driving and a host of other crimes perpetrated on victims.

If you would like to attend any of the events, you can click on the link below to register or you can watch the crime victims’ ceremony, which will be streamed online for the very first time.

The ceremony will be held Tuesday, April 23 from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the First Unitarian Universalist Church of Austin, 4700 Grover Ave.

http://crimevictimsrights.eventbrite.com

The Texas observance of Crime Victims’ Rights Week is being organized by Austin area victim service agencies that serve Texans across the state.

Crime Victims Rights Week Planning Committee:

Advancing Victim Rights Law in Texas Workgroup

Austin Police Department

Children’s Advocacy Centers of Texas

Crime Victims’ Institute, Sam Houston State University

CrimeStoppers

For the Love of Christi

Institute for Restorative Justice, UT – Austin

Institute on Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault, UT – Austin

Jennifer’s Hope

Mothers Against Drunk Driving

National Center for Missing and Exploited Children

People Against Violent Crime

Texas Association Against Sexual Assault

Texas Council on Family Violence

Texas Court Appointed Special Advocates

Texas Department of Criminal Justice

Texas Department of Public Safety, Victim Services

Texas Legal Services Center

Texas Office of the Attorney General

Texas Office of the Governor

Travis County Sheriff’s Office

Texas District and County Attorneys Association

Texas Victim Services Association

Today, thousands of postcards are being delivered to legislators to show how important full funding is for family violence programs. Advocates, allies and survivors of family violence use the color purple to symbolize their work to end violence within families.

Senator Jane Nelson joined TCFV, Verizon and Laura White, a survivor of domestic violence, at a news conference at the Capitol. White traveled from Houston to deliver a personal message of hope and perseverance.

After years of abuse, White was getting a divorce. Her husband called her and said to come over and he would sign the divorce papers. But, instead he pulled out a shotgun and shot her a point blank range. She says her heart froze when he said he was going to kill her and then kill himself. He said, “If I can’t have you, then no one can.”

She was shot in the stomach in November of 2009 and given a one percent change of survival. She endured more than a dozen surgeries and had to recover from the emotional scars of abuse. “If it wasn’t for domestic violence shelters in Texas, I would not be here today and I would not have been able to heal from the mental scars of abuse,” said White.

The Houston Area Women’s Center, a domestic violence shelter in Houston, helped her with counseling and support. The shelter in Houston and dozens of shelter’s across the state provide victims of domestic violence with the support they need and the legislature provides the necessary funding to help victim’s like Laura across the state of Texas.

Verizon is a national leader in the education and prevention of domestic violence. Today, the company joined the event to encourage more businesses to get involved in the prevention of domestic violence.

“Raising awareness of domestic violence and aiding in its prevention is a priority issue for Verizon,” said David Russell, Verizon Vice President of External Affairs. “Verizon is proud to partner with the Texas Council on Family and lend our voice to raise awareness about the plight of domestic violence victims to a wider audience in an effort to save lives.”

“Full funding is especially critical to ensure victims of domestic violence have a safety net,” said Gloria A. Terry, President of TCFV. “Last year, nearly 80,000 women, children and men found sanctuary from violence at domestic violence programs and at least 102 women died in Texas in domestic violence deaths. It is imperative that we fund the family violence services that will help prevent and eliminate this serious crime. The purple postcards come from people across Texas as a loud statement to legislators – Full Funding for Family Violence.”
Members of TCFV will then deliver thousands of postcards to legislators throughout the State Capitol. For more information about the purple postcard campaign you can log onto www.tcfv.org

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The Texas Council on Family Violence (TCFV), formed in 1978, is one of the largest domestic violence coalitions in the nation. TCFV promotes safe and healthy relationships by supporting service providers, facilitating strategic prevention efforts, and creating opportunities for freedom from domestic violence. www.tcfv.org

The landmark legislation passed by the House preserves and maintains core funding for life-saving victim services at family violence shelter’s and rape crisis centers across the country.  Since its original passage in 1994, VAWA has dramatically enhanced our nation’s response to violence against women and annual rates of domestic violence have plummeted more than 60 percent.

“The Representatives and Senators who voted in favor of VAWA have renewed our nation’s commitment to protecting victims of domestic and sexual violence.  We are glad this measure will be signed into law by the President,” said Gloria Terry, President of the Texas Council on Family Violence.

Intimate partner violence in Texas continues to weigh on families and communities: in 2011, 102 women were killed by their batterers and some 79,053 victims accessed family violence services in fiscal year 2012 alone.

Terry said, “VAWA represents a well-vetted and successful approach to helping victims of intimate partner violence obtain safety and to holding batterers accountable.”

MEDIA CONTACTS:
Angela Hale, 512.289.2995, angela@redmediagroup.com
Rick Gipprich, Jr.  210.310.8502, rgipprich@taasa.org

Survivors of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Speak Out at Capitol Rally.

Austin, Texas – Feb. 15, 2013 – The Texas Council on Family Violence (TCFV) and the Texas Association Against Sexual Assault (TAASA) and hundreds of victims’ rights advocates from across the state of Texas are rallying at the Texas Capitol to strongly support full funding for family violence programs and rape crisis centers across Texas.  Last year, the 78 rape crisis centers in Texas provided free and confidential services to over 19,000 survivors and nearly 80,000 women, children and men found safe sanctuary from violence at domestic violence shelters.  State funding helps support sixty-nine 24-hour shelters, 10 non-residential centers and 16 special project sites.

Hundreds of volunteers from every corner of the state traveled to the Capitol to remember the 102 women who died in domestic violence deaths in 2011, advocate for the more than 100,000 Texans who accessed services last year and remind legislators about the importance of fully funding critical programs for those who have been abused and raped.

Stephanie Bluth, from Montgomery County, is one of many who accessed life saving services at a shelter. Stephanie was married for three years.  After, her ex-husband lost his company, she says he changed as a person and became emotionally abusive.

The abuse then escalated quickly to physical abuse and then one night, he locked her and their young daughter in a bathroom for 8 or 9 hours and he would come in once an hour to beat her. During one of the beatings he strangled her and she lost consciousness. He thought she was dead and he dragged her out into the hallway. He sliced her face from the top of the forehead to her nose and she now has a diagonal scar on her face. The pain woke her up and she pushed him and ran to the neighbors to escape and call the police. Her daughter suffered bruises from Stephanie lying on top of her to shield her from the attack. She lost everything and called the shelter in her county.

 “Without the shelter, I would not be where I am today.  I did not have anywhere to go and they were my one phone call.  They let me stay in the shelter, helped me get a restraining order, helped me get therapy, went with me to court and the police station and eventually helped me get an apartment,” said Stephanie Bluth, a domestic violence survivor.

“We stand here with a united message to the Texas legislature – Full funding for domestic violence services in a necessary investment to keep Texans safe,” said Gloria A. Terry, President of the Texas Council on Family Violence.  “There is no greater threat to the fabric of our society than that of violence in the home.  We ask our policy leaders for full funding of these critical services,” said Terry.

Lorin Leatherwood of Houston was sexually assaulted on a rafting trip when she was only 15 years old. She remembers waking up underwater and choking, fighting to keep her head above water, screaming and running away. She was taken to a local hospital, identified her perpetrator and was finally driven to San Antonio to have a rape kit done. That day changed her life forever. High school was a blur. She felt shame and cried all the time.

The Houston Area Women’s Center got her individual counseling and group counseling where she met other women who had gone through similar experiences.

“The Houston Area Women’s Center helped turn my life around.  Services that help you recover from a sexual assault are critical to helping you heal,” said Leatherwood.  “I found my voice and learned that I was not alone.”

“Rape crisis centers in Texas have been modestly funded for years and cannot afford to weather any cuts to their budgets.  The demand for services is growing and the consequences of not meeting these needs can have tragic results for individuals, families, and communities,” said Annette Burrhus-Clay, TAASA Executive Director.

Mary Kay Inc. and members of the Mary Kay independent sales force are also partnering with TCFV and TAASA to raise awareness among Texas lawmakers about funding needs surrounding family violence and sexual assault services.

Mary Kay will have a display of pink Cadillacs at the Capitol to support efforts to raise awareness and will be joining the rally by painting Austin Pink to share the message that love should not hurt and that Texas families need the commitment of lawmakers for funding these critical programs.

“We understand how important it is for corporations to provide financial support to non-profit organizations in their communities, but we know that it is equally important to be an engaged and active advocate,” said Mary Kay Vice President of Government Relations Anne Crews. “While we work to promote positive, pro-active legislation in states across the country, Texas is near and dear to our hearts since Dallas is home to our corporate headquarters and our U.S. manufacturing facility. We are proud to stand with hundreds of Texans on the steps of the Capitol to continue our steadfast mission of preventing and ending domestic violence.”

The Texas Council on Family Violence (TCFV), formed in 1978, is one of the largest domestic violence coalitions in the nation. TCFV promotes safe and healthy relationships by supporting service providers, facilitating strategic prevention efforts, and creating opportunities for freedom from domestic violence. www.tcfv.org

The Texas Association Against Sexual Assault (TAASA) The Texas Association Against Sexual Assault (TAASA) is the statewide organization committed to ending sexual violence in Texas. A non-profit educational and advocacy organization based in Austin, TAASA member agencies comprise a statewide network of more than 80 crisis centers that serve rural as well as metropolitan areas. Founded in 1982, the agency has a strong record of success in community education, legal services, youth outreach, law enforcement training, legislative advocacy, and curricula and materials development. Additional information about TAASA can be found at www.taasa.org

About Mary Kay
Irresistible products. Positive community impact. Rewarding opportunity. For 50 years, Mary Kay has offered it all.  With 2.5 million Mary Kay Independent Beauty Consultants and $3 billion in global annual wholesale sales, Mary Kay is a top beauty brand and direct seller in more than 35 markets around the world. To learn more or to locate a Mary Kay Independent Beauty Consultant in your area, please visit marykay.com.

MEDIA CONTACT:
Angela Hale – 512.289.2995, angela@redmediagroup.com
Rick Gipprich, Jr. – 210.310.8502, rgipprich@taasa.org

Austin, Texas – The Texas Association Against Sexual Assault (TAASA) and The Texas Council on Family Violence (TCFV) invite leaders to attend a two day conference tailored specifically for Executive Directors of family violence and sexual assault programs across Texas.

This year’s Conference once again takes place at the Westin Hotel at the Domain on Wednesday February 13th, from 2:00pm to 5:00pm and Thursday February 14th, from 9:00am to 5:30 pm.

Executive directors are expected to have an impossibly large set of skills to help their agencies thrive. Common concerns such as fundraising, board relationships, staff management and program development impact program leaders on a daily basis. This year’s conference continues to build on the skill-set of programs and offer “leadership elevating” sessions.

“Bringing together leaders who shape their respective communities response to the complex needs of victims is essential. They not only learn from key presenters on relevant topics, they also learn from one another. These practices keep us focused on providing the safety, empowerment, tools and resources that best serve families in crisis,” says Gloria A. Terry, President of TCFV.

Victims of sexual and domestic do not differentiate sexual assault services from those carved for family violence. What they do seek are sensitive and knowledgeable advocates, resources, and assistance to take the first successful steps towards becoming survivors.

As programs continue to expand our vision for leaders in Texas working with these vulnerable populations, they determined that a true and genuine partnership between coalitions provides the greatest opportunities for success. TCFV and TAASA work jointly to maximize efforts for developing impeccable services across the state for lives disrupted by violence.

“This conference gives the leadership of sexual assault and domestic violence agencies across the state an opportunity to enhance their skill sets on myriad issues impacting non-profits. It’s more important today than ever to foster strong, efficient, and well-managed organizations that both serve victims and positively impact their respective communities,” says Annette Burrhus-Clay, Executive Director of TAASA.

Speakers at this year’s conference include:

• Anne Pritchard Grady who captivated many executive directors last year in her “standing-room only” breakout sessions on leadership and productivity as one of our plenary speakers.
• Cat Fribley with the Resource Sharing Project will engage us in discussion on succession planning and managing executive leadership transitions. She will focus on creating cultures that normalize these discussions in order to better prepare for these transitions.
• Celinda Lake, founder and president of the nation’s most respected polling firms, will outline findings from national public opinion that researched voters’ attitudes toward violence against girls and women. She will offer recommendations for broaching the topic that will prompt action.
• Nan Stoops, Executive Director and participant in Move to End Violence pilot cohort, will explore the future of the Violence Against Women Movement and lead us in discussion about the road ahead.

TAASA and TCFV hope that by joining forces they can unite the strong voices of the violence against women movement in Texas and provide vital resources to our members.

The Texas Association Against Sexual Assault (TAASA) is the statewide organization committed to ending sexual violence in Texas. A non-profit educational and advocacy organization based in Austin, TAASA member agencies comprise a statewide network of more than 80 crisis centers that serve rural as well as metropolitan areas. Founded in 1982, the agency has a strong record of success in community education, legal services, youth outreach, law enforcement training, legislative advocacy, and curricula and materials development. Additional information about TAASA can be found at www.taasa.org.

The Texas Council on Family Violence (TCFV), formed in 1978, is one of the largest domestic violence coalitions in the nation. TCFV promotes safe and healthy relationships by supporting service providers, facilitating strategic prevention efforts, and creating opportunities for freedom from domestic violence. For more information visit www.tcfv.org.

Description
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Community Relations Coordinator – $30,000/Year

The Community Relations Coordinator oversees the solicitation and receipt of in-kind donations including, but not limited to: auto donations, cell phone drives, food donations, third party donation drives, and holiday giving.  Additionally they are responsible for soliciting corporate gifts through grants, establishing annual contributions and some sponsorship acquisitions.
Requirements:  Bachelor’s degree preferred in social work, public administration, journalism, public relations or a related field, or equivalent work experience; two years’ experience in fundraising and special event coordination preferred; experience and ability in establishing teamwork, loyalty, and enthusiasm among non-profit event volunteers;  creativity in relationship building and in maximizing revenues; excellent communications skills.

App Process -
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Interested applicants should email cover letters and resumes to employment@safeplace.org
Or Mail to:
HR Director, PO Box 19454, Austin TX, 78760
Or Fax to HR Director at 512-356-1673

Description
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Cover other shifts ( if needed); required to be on call (as needed); conduct intakes, case management services and psycho – educational group services to victims of domestic violence; life skills education; program development; public speaking; collaborates closely with community agencies; all other duties as assigned

Qualifications:
Bachelors Degree in psychology, social work or related field; crisis intervention skills with victims of domestic violence; psychoeducational skills; effective communication skills, both oral and written; team member; program development, bilingual preferred ( English/Spanish)

App Process -
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To Apply:
Reference Job and Submit to:

hr@newbeginningcenter.org
No phone calls please