Barbie Brashear is the director of The Harris County Domestic Violence Coordinating Council (HCDVCC - aka The Council) and with her is Maisha Colter, the director of legal advocacy programs for Aid to Victims of Domestic Abuse (AVDA).
They are online: www.HCDVCC.org and www.AVDA-TX.org and these phone numbers are important to have: Call AVDA and get help now 713-224-9911 or the 24 Hour National Domestic Violence Hotline 1-800-799-SAFE (7233).
These are anonymous phone calls offering instant help to victims of domestic violence. We discuss the many ways the Orgs work together to not only raise awareness but to help victims escape abusive relationships, recover from the abuse and become independent. Their programs are proven to work and we also discuss when it is appropriate for witnesses to call the police, such as when a neighbors is witnessing domestic violence. Awareness also includes keeping an eye out for each other.