More people die from domestic violence in Harris County than in any other county in Texas, according to information from the Texas Council on Family Violence.
Advocates say that troubling statistic highlights just how critical support services are for survivors.
Organizations like Bay Area Turning Point provide counseling, advocacy, safety planning, and emergency shelter for people in crisis.
However, the nonprofit says it's facing funding challenges at a time when local incidents of domestic violence are rising.
Executive Director Brenda Sykes said that housing assistance has become one of the greatest needs for survivors.
"There are a lot of funding issues across this country, and domestic violence could be affected by that, particularly with homelessness and housing," Sykes said. "We want to raise funds to meet those needs. We are actually paying individuals' rent so they can be in their apartment for up to two years."
To make sure more of the dollars raised stay in the community, Bay Area Turning Point is changing the format of its annual fundraiser.
Instead of a formal gala, this year's event will be an "E-Race Domestic Violence Scavenger Hunt." It's designed to reduce overhead costs while still engaging the community.
The event begins at Chicken N Pickle in Webster on Saturday, Sept. 27. Check-in begins at 11:30 a.m. The hunt starts at 12 p.m., and an after-party is scheduled for 3 p.m.
"Unlike a typical fundraiser, this scavenger hunt sends teams racing all across Bay Area/Houston to complete creative challenges, visit local businesses, and earn points - all while raising funds to support survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault," according to the agency.
In 2023, 205 Texans lost their lives to domestic violence, and according to the shelter, most of those were in Harris County.
It also takes on average seven to nine times before someone actually leaves an abusive relationship, Sykes said, adding that if you know someone in that type of situation, be a listening ear.
The shelter also works with people to develop safety plans, based on need.
To learn more, visit Bay Area Turning Point's website.
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