HCWC Bringing Awareness About Dating Violence In February

Last year, Hays-Caldwell Women’s Center added Dating Violence to the organization’s mission statement to highlight the prevalence of violence that often begins in dating relationships. “Most people know about domestic violence and assume that this violence only occurs between a married couple but the truth is, intimate partner violence often starts well before marriage. Often, victims miss the red flags while dating and then find themselves amid an abusive relationship without realizing how it all began”, explains Kiara Nicholson, HCWC Prevention Educator. Not only does HCWC offer services such as counseling, shelter and advocacy to victims but also available are Healthy Relationships education-based groups at local schools in Hays and Caldwell counties.

February is National Dating Violence Awareness month and HCWC is offering several ways for the community to learn more about dating violence and participate in awareness activities. Beginning on Monday, February 8th, we will kick off our #StartTalking Week with a Photo Challenge on social media that will run through Valentine’s Day. Our topics include: “communication”, “loving myself”, “love quote”, “together”, “family & friends”, “trust is” and “#RelationshipGoals”. Our goal is to interact with youth and families alike to encourage everyone to “Start Talking” about healthy relationships and dating violence. On Wednesday, February 9th HCWC is also asking the community to Wear Orange in support of awareness on this important issue that affects in 1 in 3 teens. We encourage those who Wear Orange to snap a photo and post it on their social media using the hashtag #StopTheHurt.

HCWC is also hosting events at Texas State including a day (on Wear Orange Day, Feb. 9th) on the campus quad handing out information on dating violence. Texas State’s Philosophy Dept. is also hosting a screening of the local documentary, “Not Enough Time” chronicling the story of a local dating violence victim, Tiffanie Perry whose life was taken by her ex-boyfriend. And on Friday, February 12th the community is invited to attend the Vagina Monologues show, a fundraising event for HCWC at Stonewall Warehouse organized by local volunteer, Ali Stone. Doors open at 8pm. Lastly, on February 25th, Dripping Springs High School students will be participating in a mock trail at the Hays County Justice Center. The mock trial is focused on a dating violence court case and is designed to teach students about dating violence issues and the criminal justice system.  

The Hays-Caldwell Women’s Center has a 38-year history of serving women, men, and children in Hays and Caldwell Counties who are victims of family violence, dating violence, sexual assault and child abuse. All HCWC services are free and confidential. For more information please visit www.hcwc.org or call (512) 396-HELP.