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WHAT A MONTH!

October is our busiest time with Domestic Violence Awareness Month and many opportunities to advocate for family violence prevention. After two fundraisers, hours of outreach presentations, and a billboard campaign thanks to Clear Channel, AVDA saw an increased call volume and request for services.


We're grateful for the volunteers who stepped up to support the growing demand. Additional volunteer opportunities are available across departments from administrative tasks to event logistics. Complete the application to learn more.


So, how much did we raise in October?

$695,000!

Funds support legal representation, counseling services, and prevention programs. THANK YOU! We couldn't serve the greater Houston community without you!

WHY WE DO IT

"After more than 10 years with my partner, I came to the hard realization that the relationship would not improve. I knew my children and I deserved to live in a safe environment. For the last five years of our relationship, I endured frequent verbal and physical abuse. My ex used our children against me - threatening to take them away if I tried to leave. He was also monitoring my every move and showing up at my place of work.

 

I felt like a prisoner.

 

I made the decision to leave in early 2020. I was working three jobs at the time to support our children. During the separation, my partner assaulted me at my place of work. He dragged me out of the store and across a parking lot. The next evening, my ex was involved in a car chase with my siblings thinking I was in the car and purposefully crashed his vehicle into theirs. He was then arrested and charged with assault with a deadly weapon.

 

After researching options, I was referred to AVDA by Bay Area Turning Point. I felt completely understood by the advocate who conducted my initial interview. AVDA made me feel safe, made me feel accepted, and offered me patience. I never felt judged for being in this situation. My AVDA attorney helped me obtain full custody and child support for my youngest child and has provided resources and guidance for custody of my stepson.

 

I am forever grateful to AVDA for their support. My children and I have recently begun utilizing their counseling services.

 

It took me over five years to end the cycle of abuse I was facing. I proudly share my story in hopes of helping anyone who lives in fear. You deserve to be happy, and you are not alone."


-Brooke, AVDA client

MORE WAYS TO SUPPORT AVDA

AVDA Toy Drive


Spread holiday cheer by supporting our annual toy drive for clients. View our Amazon Wish List and ship directly to AVDA!


Clients have also expressed a high-need for children's clothing and shoes. We are accepting gift cards in denominations of $15-50 to retailers such as Walmart, Target, DSW, and Kohl's.


**Due to a variety of size needs, we are NOT accepting clothing items. Contact Elizabeth Galante for more information.


Spread heer

End of Year Giving


AVDA continues to serve the greater Houston community by providing free legal representation for victims of domestic abuse, trauma counseling, promoting accountability for abusers, and fostering a community response to violence – but we cannot do it without your support.


Give victims a chance to begin again by donating today. Your gift gives hope and empowerment to survivors like Brooke.


Make an mpact

Purple Postcard Campaign


Join Texans all across the state striving to create a safer Texas by completing a Purple Postcard in support of services for victims of family violence!


Take action

Young Friends of AVDA


Join AVDA while networking and volunteering with our young professionals group! Young Friends of AVDA is a group of philanthropically inclined, 40 and below Houstonians serving as donors and volunteers committed to supporting AVDA’s mission to end the cycle of family violence.


Join today

AVDA IN THE NEWS

As homicides decrease, one deadly night shows how domestic violence is rising in Houston area

A woman and her ex-boyfriend were found dead Tuesday night in a Harris County apartment in an apparent murder-suicide. That same night at a different apartment, a woman's boyfriend shot her ex-boyfriend, who had shown up with a shotgun.

Read More

Victims of Domestic Violence in Houston Get Help From AVDA With a Lavish Dinner at Tony's Providing a Major Assist

Although the goal for the evening was to raise $228,000 in honor of the 228 Texans who lost their lives due to domestic violence in 2020, the message inspired the 200-plus guests to up the ante to close to $500,000.

Read More

Stalking, tracking and recording: The impacts of technology on domestic violence

"A major form of abuse comes through technology and that form of abuse is something that is probably newer and something we don't think about readily, it's important that we stretch our way of thinking to keep our victims safe," said Maisha Colter, CEO of ADVA.

Read More

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