DVP prepares for Domestic Violence Awareness Month

Domestic Violence Awareness month is upon us and local Domestic Violence Prevention, Inc is using this time to help raise awareness locally, according to James Roberts, DVP executive director.

DVP service counties in both Texas and Arkansas. Texas covers both Bowie and Cass counties, while Arkansas covers several Southwest Arkansas counties, including Miller, which borders Cass.

There are two outreach offices, one of which is located in downtown Atlanta, on Hiram Street.

Roberts said DVP served 1,488 people with outreach services and emergency shelter for the 2021-2022 fiscal year.

“Our agency helps those who’ve been hurt by domestic violence, whether it be violence by a spouse, dating partner, child, parent, or grandparent,” Roberts said. “DVP staff work hard to ensure that any person affected by family violence who comes to us is aware of the avenues available to them to assist them in reaching the goal of living a life without the fear of violence.”

Community members are encouraged to help with awareness for domestic violence by participating in ‘Purple Day’ on October 20 by donning purple to commemorate the month and the movement to end domestic violence.

“DVP offers an assortment of comprehensive services to victims of family violence including an emergency shelter, a 24-hour crisis line, legal advocacy to help clients obtain protective orders, individual and group counseling to meet physical and emotional needs, help with transportation, groceries, hygiene items and more,” Roberts said.

October marks 35 years since domestic violence awareness month was first established in 1987. Since then, much has happened to help with the fight against domestic violence but Roberts said there is still more to be done.

“We must continue to make ending domestic violence a priority for our community. Texarkana, Arkansas had one of the highest incidents of domestic violence-related deaths in the state and that’s not a category we want to lead in,” Roberts said.

Those looking to help out or get involved can do so in a number of ways, including making a financial donation to DVP, becoming a volunteer or donating household goods for the emergency shelter.

DVP also has a thrift store at 203 E. Hiram Street in Atlanta, where locals can donate clothes, household items, books, DVDs, movies, or anything else in working condition. If you don’t have anything to donate, staff encourages you to come by and shop.

Their Website, dvptxk.org/atlanta-thrift-store states that all items are reasonably priced– especially clothing–ranging from .25 cents to $15.

All proceeds from sales in Hidden Treasures thrift shop is used to help local families and victims of domestic violence or sexual assault.

Hidden Treasures DVP thrift shop hours are Monday from 12-5 p.m. and Tuesday-Friday from 9:30 a.m. - 4 p.m.

You can contact the store at 903-799-7996 to find out what items they have available for sale or what they are most in need of regarding merchandise. For more comprehensive information about DVP and how they operate, visit their Website at www.dvptxk.org/.

For more information about the services offered by DVP or how to make a donation, you may call their office at 903794-4000.

Those needing help leaving a violent situation or who may be in a crisis situation can contact DVP’s 24-hour crisis line at 903-793-4357.