Houston Area Women's Center to open four new locations for domestic violence victims

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) -- The Houston Area Women's Center announced on Tuesday that the organization is expanding.

The center will soon have new locations across the Houston area that will offer even more services for domestic violence victims.

A residential campus will have 135 units for emergency shelter, and survivor empowerment hubs will be created at four different locations.

Mayor Sylvester Turner and Houston Police Chief Troy Finner joined leaders from HAWC to discuss the rising cases of domestic violence in the community.

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month.

"In 2021, we documented the third highest number of intimate partner homicides in the last decade," said Michelle Sacks, director of training at the women's center. "We're definitely in an influx, but not just within the last few weeks. It's been that way for a while."

According to the Harris County Sheriff's Office, at the end of September, the department counted 106 homicides across the county, with 35% of those cases related to domestic violence.

READ MORE: 'These situations can turn violent': 35% of homicides related to domestic violence, HCSO says

According to HPD, so far this year, there have been 55 domestic violence-related homicides in the city of Houston. Last year's total was 65.

For 45 years, HAWC has been providing support and resources to victim-survivors of domestic violence.

Sacks encourages everyone in the community to understand abuse can happen to anyone -- men, women and children -- and it's imperative to get help.

Their organization offers both a 24/7 hotline (713-528-2121) and a chat on their website that can provide a crucial first step in getting help.

For those concerned about a loved one's safety, here are ways to start a conversation.

"The easiest question you can ask is, 'Do you feel safe? Do you feel safe in your relationship? Do you feel safe in your home?'" Sacks said. "That's a really good intro, starting with that."

Sacks added that it's important to state that you believe what the person is saying about the abuse.

Additional resources can be found on the National Domestic Violence Hotline website or hotline at 1-800-799-7233.

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