Since 1977, the Houston Area Women’s Center (HAWC) has stood as a beacon of hope and healing for women, children, and families affected by domestic and sexual violence. What began as a grassroots lifeline has grown into a network of safety, advocacy, and empowerment that touches thousands of lives each year.

In 2022, Harris County Commissioners Court committed to committing resources to the Houston Area Women’s Center’s Survivor Support Hubs — community-based sites that provide free counseling and assistance to survivors of domestic and sexual violence. Three years later, Commissioners Court extended Hub services for an additional eight months, bringing the total County funding for the program to approximately $725,000.

“Thanks to our collaboration with the Consulate, the Women’s Home and Harris County, we have been able to expand our services to the Hispanic and Latino community, which faces many barriers to surviving domestic and sexual violence,” said Concepción Miranda Galarza, Senior Community Education Coordinator for HAWC.

To date, the Hubs have served more than 1,100 residents — triple their original goal, and County contributions will continue through January 2026. Behind each of these statistics are stories of courageous people who made the choice to seek help.

 A Survivor’s Story

Claudia came to Texas from Mexico, raising her two children largely on her own. Then she met John. They began a relationship and dated for two years. Soon after getting married, the relationship became violent.

“It started with small things, like taunting that I justified in my mind,” Claudia said in Spanish. “But over time it grew into emotional and psychological abuse, and eventually physical violence.”

The breaking point came one night after a simple question about her husband’s late return home. It escalated into a moment of terror: objects smashed against the walls, screams, and finally, he put his hands around her neck.

Claudia remembers whispering to her daughter, “Llama a la policía (Call the police).” That moment saved their lives.

The First Step: Getting Help 

In the days that followed, Claudia felt paralyzed by fear and guilt.

After the incident, her first step was to reach out for help through local authorities. The Harris County Precinct 5 Constable’s Office referred Claudia to HAWC’s Survivor Support Hub at the Mexican Consulate. There, a counselor gave her words that shifted everything.

“Lo más importante eres tú y tus hijos (You and your children are priority now).”

Through counseling sessions with HAWC staff, and later group therapy with other survivors, Claudia began to heal.

“For the first time, I felt listened to and not alone,” she said. “Pronouncing the words, ‘Soy víctima de violencia doméstica (I’m a victim of domestic violence)’ was powerful. It was painful, but it set me free.”

Her children began to heal, too. Her son, once riddled with nervous tics, laughed again. Her daughter returned to school and finished her veterinary technician program.

“Today, I no longer feel defenseless. I know I can take action, seek help, and protect my children,” she says. “HAWC saved my life and my children’s lives. If I had stayed, we wouldn’t be here telling this story.”

Building Bridges for Survivors

Leticia Manzano, Vice President of Violence Prevention & Training at HAWC, points out that the most urgent needs are often housing and legal services. But once survivors feel safe, they overwhelmingly choose counseling.

“By the end of the intake, because they’ve had such a positive experience, the majority register for counseling services,” Leticia said. “Healing begins with connection.”

For all survivors, including immigrant survivors facing fears about deportation or documentation despite their status, Concepción stresses that HAWC’s job is to provide reliable information and respect each person's decision.

Leticia emphasized that HAWC services are always free and voluntary. She said they will never tell someone what to do. They are there to support — not control.

Harris County is doing its part

Beyond the funding allocated to HAWC, Harris County is partnering with more than a dozen organizations that help domestic violence survivors.

The Domestic Violence Assistance Fund (DVAF) was created in 2022 in response to the alarming rise in family violence during the pandemic and offers unrestricted financial help to those in need. Since 2022, Commissioners have allocated over $7 million to the DVAF and have built its funding into the County’s budget. Since its inception, the fund has helped more than 3,800 households and 6,650 individuals.

The County is also committed to assisting children who have experienced domestic violence through its Early Childhood Resiliency Fund. The more than $6 million dedicated to the fund helps support 15 organizations that are connecting children with mental health consultations, home visits, and counseling.

Waiting for a chance

Claudia’s journey to safety shows what’s possible when survivors are given resources, compassion, and community. But thousands more are still waiting for a chance to break free.

If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, call HAWC’s 24-hour hotline at 713-528-2121 or visit hawc.org.