Deborah was 59, Chandra was 40 — and their husbands shot both to death in Lubbock. Sadly, these are just two of the 142 women killed in Texas during 2010. That year, 39 Texas children witnessed the murders of their mothers.
September 13, 2012 marked the 18th anniversary of the passage of the federal Violence Against Women Act (VAWA). In a statement issued by the federal government, domestic violence rates have dropped 60 percent since that legislation passed but “we still have much work to do.”
The Texas Council on Family Violence (TCFV) works to prevent family violence. TCFV’s stated mission is to promote safe and healthy relationships by supporting service providers, facilitating strategic prevention efforts, and creating opportunities for freedom from domestic violence. In a recent press release, the Council’s president, Gloria Terry, commented on its mission. “The (TCFV) takes great care and diligence in identifying key leaders in Texas to strengthen our collective response and prevention of domestic violence.” We here at the law firm of Robert Reid McInvale applaud their efforts to keep vulnerable family members safe and will continue to do our part to protect endangered women and children.
We still have much work to do. But it will not help Deborah or Chandra. Do not become a statistic. If you are threatened in your home — get legal help right away.