In the heart of Domestic Violence Awareness Month, the Austin Police Department, alongside District 3 Council Member José Velásquez, is taking a firm stance against domestic violence by promoting education and support for survivors, as stated in a recent announcement by the city. They emphasize the importance of community awareness, urging victims to overcome fear and silence, come forward, and stand as a testament to their resolve in the battle against this deeply ingrained societal issue.
The APD's Domestic Violence and Special Victims Intervention Unit (SVIU) works closely with the Austin-Travis County Family Violence Protection Team to investigate thousands of cases involving assaults, stalking, and more – while the past five years have seen an annual average of over 7,800 investigations ramping up to over 8,100 cases in 2020 alone, APD Victim Services provides indispensable support to those affected. "Domestic violence impacts all segments of our society, regardless of race, income, immigration status, or other factors. No one deserves to feel unsafe at home, and no one deserves to be abused," Sergeant Tammy Varkony of the Domestic Violence Unit told the publication.
Trends show a disturbing increase in aggravated assaults, with over 1,000 occurrences of aggravated assaults and more than 600 of suffocation or strangulation reported yearly; meanwhile, domestic violence continues to play a harrowing role in the city's homicide rate, contributing to 18 out of 74 homicides in 2023 and, so far, 12 out of 54 in 2024. Noting that domestic violence transcends all discriminations, Council Member Velásquez reiterated the city's commitment to supporting survivors, stating, "Domestic violence does not discriminate. It affects individuals, families, and entire communities."
The Austin Police Department urges anyone suffering in silence under the grip of domestic violence to reach out and report their situation by calling 9-1-1, where their background and immigration status will not bear in their pursuit for safety and justice. APD Victim Services Division, reachable at (512) 974-5037 or through the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233), stands ready to offer a breadth of on-scene and extended services, including counseling and crisis intervention, aiming to promote healing in a safe, nurturing environment, they continue to work tirelessly, advocating for victims and educating the public to foster a community that is both aware and equipped to combat domestic violence.
