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DALLAS – To ensure robust outreach to the Dallas community, City Councilmember Gay Donnell Willis is pleased to share the recent announcement by the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) regarding new available resources for Texans being threatened or exposed to family or dating violence.
“We are grateful to legislative leadership for their wisdom in making available resources to those experiencing domestic violence,” said Councilmember Willis, who chairs the City of Dallas Domestic Violence and Human Trafficking Task Force.
The HHSC press release is below, including direct access to multilanguage resources to share with partners and constituents:
Senate Bill 1325, signed into law by Governor Greg Abbott in May 2023, requires HHSC to provide printable resources for law enforcement, campus peace officers, and health care providers to give to those experiencing dating violence, stalking, harassment, a terroristic threat or family violence. The “Notice to victims of family violence, dating violence, stalking, harassment or terroristic threat” informs survivors of their rights and where they can quickly access support services, shelter and protection.
“We want to make sure Texans who feel threatened, or experience family violence know where to turn to for help,” said Crystal Starkey, associate commissioner of HHSC Family and Youth Services and Supports, which oversees the Family Violence Program. “With this new law, we are providing law enforcement and health care providers an important tool that will equip survivors with the critical information they need immediately.”
HHSC has also launched a new webpage that includes contact information for the National Domestic Violence Hotline, the Texas Department of Public Safety victims’ support services and the HHSC Family Violence Program. The webpage includes information on filing criminal charges, obtaining a protective order and, if needed, terminating a residential lease. Both the notice and website are available in Spanish.
The new law, authored by State Sen. Carol Alvarado and State Rep. Vikki Goodwin, was named in honor of Natalia Cox, a college student who was a victim of dating violence.
“I am grateful for the Health and Human Services Commission’s quick implementation of the Natalia Cox Act,” Alvarado said. “Natalia’s tragic passing highlights the critical need for awareness and accessibility of resources for those facing domestic violence and stalking. Despite the availability of help, her story sadly reflects the consequences when such resources remain unknown or inaccessible to those in dire need. I am hopeful that these resources will help aid survivors of domestic violence as they determine the best route to ensure their safety as they heal after their traumatic experiences.”
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