NAM’S Family Violence Center Preparing For Domestic Violence Awareness Month

HOUSTON, TX — It’s no secret that October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. However, did you know that October is also Domestic Violence Awareness Month? And just like breast cancer, the survivors and those who lost their lives from domestic violence should never be forgotten and Northwest Assistance Ministries (NAM) plans to make sure they are not.

This year, to commemorate National Domestic Violence Awareness Month, the Family Violence Center (FVC) at NAM is starting its 6th Annual “You Are Not Alone” campaign with a Memorial Garden Ceremony on Tuesday, October 1, 2019, at 8:30 a.m.

The dedication for the Memorial Garden will take place in front of the main NAM Building. The garden is there to remind domestic violence victims and survivors that they are not alone in their situation and that there are resources and support available to them.

“Averaging the deaths in the recent years due to domestic violence, Texas has seen an average of 121 women per year who have met this fate,” explained Sheryl Johnson, Director of NAM’s Family Violence Center.  “With the Memorial Garden, we will honor these women by placing a purple flag in our Memorial Garden to acknowledge their loss and honor their memory,” said Johnson.

Anyone wishing to attend the dedication may pick up a free yellow flag at NAM to sign or put a message of hope on it and place it in the garden below the purple flags to honor those who have lost their lives and commemorate anyone they may know who has struggled with domestic violence.

“This Memorial Garden is to remind those that are suffering from domestic violence that they are not alone,” said President/CEO of NAM, Les Cave.  “For anyone going through this hardship, we hope that they will reach out for help, and we want them to know that NAM is here for them.”

Throughout October, NAM’s Family Violence Center will be sharing information about domestic abuse by hosting what they are calling “Door Events.”

“Basically, the FVC staff will be standing outside of doors not only in front of NAM but at businesses, hospitals, and other locations throughout the community to make people aware that as a community we can end domestic violence,” explained Johnson. “And maybe, anyone who is suffering from abuse will have the courage to reach out for help before it’s too late.”

Thursday, October 24, is also Wear Purple for Domestic Violence Awareness Day, also known as Purple Thursday. Since 2010, it has been observed the Thursday of the third full week in October. By wearing purple on that day, conversations can be started about domestic violence, with the goal of lessening it and building healthy relationships.

The Family Violence Center is also presenting an Empowerment Conference on Saturday, October 26, 2019, at The Harrell Family Opportunity Center, located behind NAM’s main campus. This is a free event that will offer support and resources. Anyone interested is welcome to attend and listen to guest speakers and take part in a discussion on how our community can bring awareness to stop domestic violence.

For more information about Domestic Violence Awareness Month or to R.S.V.P. to any of the events, please visit namonline.org.

The Family Violence Center is dedicated to breaking the cycle of violence by assisting victims of domestic and sexual violence through crisis intervention, long-term support services, and through community violence and awareness prevention education. In the fiscal year 2017-2018, the FVC received more than 8,300 hotline calls from victims in crisis and individuals seeking assistance. They also offer year-round programs, workshops and different events that bring awareness to the domestic violence problem in the area. If you or someone you know is a victim of domestic violence please contact the FVC hotline at 281-885-4673.

Northwest Assistance Ministries is a non-profit, community-based social service agency that strives to meet basic human needs through Neighbors Helping Neighbors. NAM provides assistance in areas such as food, shelter, health, education and domestic violence awareness and intervention. During its last fiscal year, NAM touched the lives of more than 130,000 people through its many programs and services.