An official State of Texas website.
Every October, organizations around the country promote National Domestic Violence Awareness Month to bring attention to lifesaving resources for people who have experienced physical violence, emotional abuse, financial abuse or sexual abuse by family members or intimate partners.
Additionally, the Day of Unity, recognized on Oct. 3 this year, is the perfect time to reflect on the movement to continue working to end domestic violence.
"Domestic violence affects all of us, and all of us must be part of the solution," said Crystal Starkey, associate commissioner for Specialty and Family Services. "We are committed to helping Texans impacted by domestic violence."
At HHS, the Family Violence Program provides services at eight nonresidential centers and 71 shelters throughout Texas, aiming to help survivors by providing access to community resources, legal advocates and a variety of supports and mental health services, including peer-to-peer counseling.
Texans are encouraged to wear purple on "Go Purple Day" on Thursday, Oct. 20, as a symbol of peace, courage, survival, honor and personal dedication to domestic violence awareness. Share your photos and comments on social media using the hashtags #WeAreResilient and #DVAM2022.
If you or somebody you know is experiencing domestic violence, visit the National Domestic Violence Hotline website (where you can live chat to receive support), call 800-799-7233 (800-787-3224 for TTY) or text “START” to 88788 any time.
Read Gov. Abbott's proclamation in honor of Domestic Violence Awareness Month (PDF).
To learn more, visit the HHS Family Violence Program webpage.