Display Provides Information On Domestic Violence

A recent study by the Texas Council on Family Violence indicates that 74 percent of all Texans have either themselves been affected by domestic violence, or know of family members and/or friends who have been affected.

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, and the Texas Crime Victims Institute at Sam Houston State University is observing the month with a display of information and resources in the Newton Gresham Library on campus.

Associate Professor of Criminal Justice and Director of Research for the Institute Janet Mullings encourages visitors to take advantage of the display, which features brochures, pamphlets and a selection of books. The display also provides information for individuals about places to which they can turn for help.

Locally, victims can call the SAAFE House in Huntsville at 936.291.3529. At the state level, information is available through the Texas Council on Family Violence at 800.525.1978, and nationally, at the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 800.799.7233.

"Each year across the nation, injuries caused by domestic violence exceed the number of injuries from rape, robbery and automobile accidents combined," said Mullings.

Tragically, the violence can turn deadly, and Texas has experienced a number of cases where situations escalated and got out of control quickly.

"In Texas during 2002, 117 women were killed by their intimate partners," Mullings said. "Nationally, an average of more than three women are murdered every day by their husbands or boyfriends."

Often the results of the situations go far beyond the individuals who are directly involved.
"Many cases of domestic violence also affect children in the homes where the events take place," she explained. "When children witness continual violence, it has the potential for causing long term negative effects in their lives."

Young people, particularly teens and college students, also need to be aware of dating violence, and where to turn in case they need help, said Mullings.

"Dating violence is a lot more common than people think," she said.

In addition to educating the public about issues such as domestic violence, the Institute at SHSU also conducts research to inform legislators and influence policy on crime victim issues. A study is currently underway at the Institute to examine stalking activities in domestic violence situations.

The Texas Crime Victims Institute was transferred from the State Attorney General's Office to Sam Houston State University on Sept. 1, 2003.

SHSU is the only university in the nation to offer a bachelor's degree in victims' studies, and the university is also home to the National Institute of Victim Studies.

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Media Contact: Julia May
September 25, 2003
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