Domestic Violence
Awareness Month
Believe survivors.
Every October, we come together for Domestic Violence Awareness Month—a time to honor survivors and their children, raise awareness about the realities of domestic violence, and remember those who have lost their lives to this devastating issue that impacts one in three here in our community.
This year, SafeHaven is proud to highlight our ongoing efforts to create meaningful change. Our team is committed to developing innovative strategies that prioritize survivor safety and ensure offender accountability. We continually evaluate the gaps in our community's response to domestic violence, striving to implement real world solutions that make a real difference in the lives of those we serve.
Ending domestic violence requires all of us working together, and we are grateful to have your support as we move toward a safer future for everyone.
Every year, the Tarrant County Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) Adult Fatality Review Team, made up of local experts, takes a deep dive into every potential IPV homicide in our county. Each member brings important insights to help gather data and understand what was happening in the relationship before the tragedy. By reviewing these cases, the team looks for ways we can improve policies, systems, and practices to prevent future incidents. Once all the research is complete, the members put together an annual report to share what they’ve learned.
This October, we're presenting the 2023 Fatality Review Report in honor of the six victims who lost their lives to IPV last year.
Remembering 2023 victims
Wear Your Support
Celebrate survivors this Domestic Violence Awareness Month with SafeHaven’s official DVAM merch! 100% of proceeds provide safety to families seeking life-saving resources at SafeHaven.
How to help a friend
experiencing abuse
When a victim of domestic violence opens up about her relationship, it’s our first instinct to want to help. But sometimes our need to react can be hurtful. Here are some guidelines to follow if you find yourself in a position where you want to best support a victim of intimate partner violence.
The steps
1. first and foremost, listen.
It takes a lot of courage and strength to offer an outcry for help, so it’s important that outcry is met with a listening ear and an open heart. Show support in whatever ways you can, and check in on your friend as often as possible.
2. Believe her.
Often, abusers can be charming and charismatic, and it can be hard to believe that someone seemingly good can do such bad things. It is not your role to be an investigator and search for “evidence” of the abuse. It is your role to listen and believe.
3. Don’t blame her.
Our culture has a common phrase we learn as children: It takes two to tango. In relationships marred by violence, it only takes one. There is nothing that justifies abuse, so don’t ask the victim what her role was in the incident. She already feels shame, and questioning her contribution only makes it worse.
4. Offer unconditional support.
- even when she chooses to stay in the relationship. Our gut instinct is to think, “If I were here, I’d just leave!” Victims know their abusers best, and know how to navigate their relationship best. It takes most victims between six and nine attempts to leave before that separation is permanent. Remind her that her leaving is not a condition of your support.
5. Keep it confidential.
She has confided in you because she trusts you. Speaking out and revealing information may hurt the victim. However, if you believe children are being abused, you are legally responsible to report the abuse.
6. Call us with questions.
SafeHaven operates Tarrant County’s only domestic violence hotline and has trained, bilingual advocates who answer the phones 24/7. Remember, your role as a confidant is crucial, but it's important to involve professionals who are trained to handle domestic violence cases. Encourage your friend to connect with local resources that can offer specialized support and guidance tailored to their specific needs.
hotline: 1 (877) 701-7233
keep families safe
Donate Financially
With your financial gifts, women and children have access to life-saving shelter, healing counseling, free legal aid, transitional housing, and the other vital resources they need to heal. Donate today to let domestic violence victims know you care for their safety.
Provide daily needs
Most families come to shelter with nothing more than the clothes they are wearing. When you donate items, you ensure women and children have a comfortable stay in shelter by providing access to their daily needs like toiletries, clothes, bedding, school supplies and more.
Be an advocate
We can’t end domestic violence in Tarrant County without your advocacy. Share information about SafeHaven with your friends, family and coworkers, and be sure to follow us on social media.
Facebook: @safehaventc
Instagram: @safehaventc