The Family Place

What does “empowering women” truly mean, when we consider that 30 percent of women, globally, experience domestic violence in their lifetime? This International Women’s Day, I can’t help but think about the millions of women around the world today whose lives have been forever changed by violence at home. I’ve met so many survivors over my career, and each and every one of their stories stick with me. Behind the jarring statistics are real women: mothers, daughters, and friends fighting to rebuild their lives after experiencing something no one should ever face. Domestic violence doesn’t just leave physical scars. It isolates women, creates financial struggles, and makes everyday life feel impossible—for them and their children. The ripple effects last for years, even generations.  These women should inspire us all The Family Place to keep going. The women I work with every day also inspire me. They’re leading the way in finding solutions and proving that change is possible. It’s not easy, but when we come together as advocates, allies, and friends, we can create safer spaces for women everywhere. So today, I want to ask: How can we work together to make this happen?  It starts with recognizing the problem and taking action—big or small. For every survivor, every mother, every daughter, there is hope. And there’s so much more we can do. Here’s how you can make a difference today: - Sign up to volunteer with a domestic violence agency in your community. Even a few hours of your time can make a huge impact. - Educate yourself by visiting resources like the Texas Council on Family Violence. Knowledge is power, and understanding the problem is the first step toward change. - Donate to organizations like The Family Place that provide shelter, counseling, and long-term support to survivors and their families. Every dollar helps transform lives. - Share this message to spread awareness and start conversations in your circles about breaking the cycle of abuse. Together, we can create a world where no woman has to experience this pain. #InternationalWomensDay #EndDomesticViolence #SupportSurvivors

Last week, members of The Family Place team joined leaders from the Texas Council on Family Violence and advocates from across the state at the Texas Capitol during the 89th Legislative Session. Together, advocates stood united to amplify the voices of survivors and push for meaningful change. Walking the halls of the Texas Capitol, carrying the weight of so many unheard stories, is always a humbling experience for our team. It serves as a powerful reminder of why this work is so critical. We’re gearing up to kick off key meetings with lawmakers in the coming weeks to ensure survivors of family violence are supported, safe, and heard. Our key focus will include: - Addressing risk factors to protect victims of family violence. - Ensuring survivor voices are prioritized in plea agreements to safeguard their rights. - Enhancing policies on dating violence and improving protections for survivors within schools. - Protecting survivors from the lasting impact of coerced debt. Advocacy like this is always a collective effort. Change happens when people come together, and our team was proud to stand alongside partners, legislators, and supporters in the fight for justice. We left no doubt in those hallways about the urgent need for funding and policies that save lives and build a safer Texas. To every legislator, partner, and supporter who made this day impactful, thank you for being part of this mission. The work continues, and together, we can create a future where survivors are empowered and safe. To learn more about the advocacy work The Family Place is engaging in alongside TCFV and other statewide agencies, check out this article from The Texas Tribune: https://lnkd.in/gGVSFAaz