October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month — a time when communities shed light on the harsh reality that home isn’t always safe. In Texas, the numbers are sobering: 1 in 3 women will experience domestic violence in their lifetime, and every year, more than 200 Texans are killed by this violence. Dallas County ranks as one of the top five counties in Texas for domestic violence homicides.
The need is urgent, and one organization has stood as a bulwark against that violence for decades in Dallas. This year, Genesis Women’s Shelter & Support celebrates its 40th anniversary, marking four decades of offering a full continuum of care to women and children escaping abuse.
An Anchor in South Oak Cliff
A deeper look into the data reveals that the South Oak Cliff zip code of 75216 has the highest reported incidents of domestic violence in Dallas. This need inspired Genesis to open its outreach location at 5020 S. Lancaster Road, which brings comprehensive resources closer to survivors in this critical zip code and surrounding areas.
Genesis’s model is about more than supplying a roof over a mother or child’s head. The organization aims to remove all practical obstacles that often trap survivors in dangerous situations. In addition to emergency shelter at its Lucas location, the organization offers several services that are free and confidential and available in both English and Spanish:
- Counseling for women and children ages two and up
- Occupational therapy to restore balance and build coping skills
- Legal services, including advice, representation and referrals
- Advocacy to help clients set and achieve goals with help from community resources
A Path Forward
As Genesis CEO Jan Langbein often emphasizes, “the women who come to Genesis have been told, ‘no one will believe you, no one will hear you, and no one will help you.’ But at Genesis, we answer that call.” Over the years, Genesis estimates it has helped more than 42,000 clients (women and children) via counseling, legal aid, transitional housing, education and more.
“For every survivor ready to step out of the shadows, we are here offering safety, support and a path forward,” says Langbein. But that path is long, and it takes all of us walking in the same direction to make an impact.
How to Help: Signs, Support and Safe Conversations
Red flags to watch for that might indicate a friend or family member is in an unsafe relationship:
- Her partner seems to have the final say in every decision and she appears reluctant/fearful to give a final answer.
- You realize she does not have any access to her own financial means.
- She appears fearful of any sort of confrontation.
- She tends to minimize words and/or behaviors in the relationship that seem inappropriate or abusive to you.
Steps you can take to support a friend or family member in addressing their situation:
- Believe her. Tell her you are glad she is comfortable talking to you and that you want to help.
- Don’t blame her. It’s not her fault; everybody deserves to be safe in their relationship.
- Help her begin thinking about safety planning. Ask her who else she trusts and when does she feel most unsafe?
- Refer her to Genesis. There are trained people who can help her.
- Continue to provide support. Make sure she knows you are there to support her when it feels overwhelming and scary.
This October — and every day — may we be part of the voices that say: home should never be a place of fear. If you or someone you know needs help, call or text the Genesis 24-hour helpline at 214.946.HELP (4357). Help is free and confidential.
