Letter to the Editor - Domestic Violence is a Community Issue
Submitted Article
Kathy Kimball, Chairman of End Domestic Violence Task Force
KINGSVILLE - Monday afternoon our local police officers responded to a domestic violence call that ended in an officer being shot. These are some of the most dangerous calls that officers can respond to. Not only do we have a police department that is reeling from this tragedy, but somewhere out there is a family that was saved by the actions of these officers.
The End Domestic Violence Task Force has been a grass roots organization since the fall of 2018 and have looked to fill the gaps in services for those involved in domestic violence and to support our first responders. We have created a court accompaniment program in partnership with the Purple Door and the Kleberg County Attorney’s office to ensure that those going to court do not have to go alone. The Task Force has created an emergency hotel voucher system for use by the Kingsville Police Department for after-hours and weekends.
To educate our community and to provide resources throughout Kingsville, we recently held our first “Trusted Location” training. Individuals were trained in domestic violence 101, police proceedings, protective orders, safety planning, supporting individuals, county courts victim advocate services, and the resources the Purple Door offers in our community. Individuals associated with a business, church, or other organization can become a “Trusted Location.” When an individual sees the “Trusted Location” decal, they will know that there is someone trained at this site to assist individuals in domestic violence relationships. These conversations are not intended to be lengthy, but rather help the individual connect with other agencies. Perhaps, the individual can use the business phone to make an appointment with the Purple Door or the victim’s advocate in the County Attorney’s office. In addition, these trained individuals can inform and educate our community on domestic violence.
However, there is so much more we can do to educate our community, encourage individuals involved in domestic violence, support our law enforcement, and ultimately end domestic violence in our community. We need your help. Partnering with the Purple Door, we will come talk to your church or organization and provide ideas and opportunities to assist in this endeavor.
Meetings are held at 6:00 p.m. on the first Tuesday of each month at 312 W. King.
For more information, email End Domestic Violence Task Force at Klebergend2dv@gmail.com or visit facebook.com/endDVtaskforce.
To submit a letter to the editor, email STCN at STCN@SouthTexasCommunityNews.com