National Domestic Violence Month

Letter to the Editor

Dear Editor,

October marks the observance of National Domestic Violence Month. The Texas Access to Justice Foundation (TAJF) welcomes the opportunity to emphasize the importance of recognizing domestic violence as an issue that has far-reaching consequences for many Texans.

According to the Texas Council on Family Violence, each year, there are nearly 200,000 family violence incidents in Texas and more than 100 people are killed as a result of the abuse. More than 15,000 Texas children are placed in shelters to be safe from abuse in their homes.

The Texas Access to Justice Foundation is the largest Texas-based funding source for legal aid. TAJF grantees assist low-income Texans with basic and critical legal problems, such as getting free from domestic violence. Some actions routinely taken by legal aid programs on behalf of abused Texans are protective orders and petitions for divorce, child custody and support. In 2011, TAJF provided aid for 11,000 cases involving domestic violence, which affected more than 31,000 Texans. Each time legal aid helps a mother escape an abusive spouse or protects a child from physical or emotional harm, families are able to heal and become productive members of our communities.

On behalf of the Texas Access to Justice Foundation, I would like to thank the many people who tirelessly work to provide protection and legal assistance for domestic violence victims every day.   

Sincerely,