Posted on Sep 30, 2015 in
FEATURES
By Zeenat Kassam Mitha –
October is National Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Domestic Violence occurs in every culture, country and community and affects people from all socioeconomic, religious and educational backgrounds.
“Most of us know someone who has been affected, whether we realize they have been affected or not,” said Vita Goodall, Executive Director, Fort Bend Women’s Center (FBWC). What is heartbreaking is that children are also affected by domestic violence, even if they are not physically abused or do not witness it directly. “Children who grow up in domestic violence often may grow up to be abused or as abusers, and we’d like to stop that cycle now,” stated Goodall.
Volunteers Debbie Maynard, Don Barkheimer and Vivian McDowell at Boogie 2014 benefiting Fort Bend Women’s Center.
According to the United States Department of Justice, women are 90 to 95 percent more likely to be victims of domestic violence than men. Women who come to shelters for assistance tend to be those with less capital or greater perceived vulnerability. This includes girls and those experiencing physical or psychiatric disabilities or living below the poverty line. “Often, women who seek assistance have mental health issues, such as post-traumatic stress, anxiety and depression caused by the abuse they experienced,” said Goodall.
This year, FBWC celebrates 35 years of Healing and Hope. The center was started in 1980 as a crisis hotline for those living with domestic violence or sexual assault in Fort Bend County. Over the years, their mission has remained focused on helping these individuals and their children. Their programs have grown to meet the community’s increasing needs.
Boogie 2014 Chair Dorine Craig and Auction Coordinator Kathy Ebeck.
Currently, FBWC includes a residential shelter and an extensive range of services for those affected by domestic and sexual violence and their children. Their crisis hotline now runs 24 hours a day, seven days a week, throughout the year. In 1989, the FBWC opened PennyWise, a resale center, as a means of providing funds for their growing services. Today, they operate three stores across Fort Bend. The PennyWise stores not only generate much needed income, they also provide their clients with emergency clothing and the necessities for their new homes when they leave the shelter.
Fort Bend Women’s Center Board President Mindy Gross, Executive Director Vita Goodall and Board Member Doug Heath.
In 1992, transitional housing assistance was introduced, recognizing that many of FBWC’s clients need temporary help to live independently as they work towards self-sufficiency. This program, which includes in-home visits from their team, as well as rental and other assistance, has reduced the rate of clients returning to their abusers from 65 to 10 percent. “The 20 plus innovative programs and services we offer are interrelated to culminate in empowering women and their children to live independent, violence-free lives,” said Mindy Gross, FBWC Board of Directors President. Amongst many things, these programs help women with safety, rebuilding confidence and self-respect.
In 2001, FBWC added an on-site clinic, a learning resource center and improved recreational facilities for their residents’ children. They expanded their services with the launch of their education and outreach program, which aims to prevent abusive relationships from the start, working from elementary to college level and in community settings across Fort Bend County. “We’re here to help, confidentially and free. There’s no judgment here, just help and support. You can be a survivor, and we can help. Call our hotline, 24/7 at 281-342-HELP (4357) and talk to us. We’re here for you,” said Goodall.
Upcoming Event
As part of their 35th anniversary celebration, actress, activist and humanitarian Ashley Judd will join the celebration on October 1st at 6:30 pm at The Junior League of Houston. Call 281-344-5750 or visit www.fortbendwomenscenter.org to volunteer or support or for more information on events to raise funds for FBWC, such as Boogie, Gillman Golf and Girlfriends Giggle.
To share your ideas for upcoming cultural stories and events, contact Cultural Correspondent Zeenat Kassam Mitha at zeenat@absolutelyfocusmedia.com.
