As Domestic Violence Awareness Month comes to a close, Dallas Police are wrapping up a major citywide operation aimed at protecting victims and holding repeat offenders accountable.
Each year, the Dallas Police Department handles nearly 14,000 domestic violence cases, according to the department’s Domestic Violence Unit. That includes not only intimate partner cases but also incidents involving family members.
Lt. Ashley Lee, who oversees the unit of about 30 officers, says this month’s enforcement effort – called Operation Safe Families – has resulted in 474 arrests citywide.
“This month has been a truly great, successful operation for us,” said Lt. Lee. “We’re also collecting toiletries and feminine hygiene products so that we can donate those items to Genesis Women’s Shelter & Support, The Family Placeas well as the community.”
The department’s outreach goes beyond arrests. Officers have hosted resource fairs at apartment complexes, identified as frequent “hot spots” for domestic violence calls, to connect victims with shelters and other support services.
Lt. Lee said many survivors flee dangerous situations at a moment’s notice, often without a plan of what to do or where to go.
“These women sometimes leave these domestic violence situations with the clothes on their backs,” she said. “They don’t have access to the money. The husband might have been the primary breadwinner. We just want to make sure they know what resources are available to them and how they can reach out and grab hold of those resources so that they can be successful.”
Lee added that officers are trained to help victims obtain protective orders and guide them through what can be an intimidating legal process.
“I know that it’s hard today, and you might not be fully ready to prosecute your offender, but that’s what we’re here for,” she said. “We’re here to protect you and to make sure you obtain those emergency protective orders… We know this is a hard decision for you, so we’re here for all of our victims and want to make sure we successfully prosecute those offenders.”
So far this year, Dallas has reported nearly 11,000 domestic violence cases. Women account for a majority of cases but males make up 29% of victims, according to information updated in the city’s domestic violence dashboard. African-American women are the number one affected ethnic group, followed by Hispanic or Latino.
The data even plots the hot zones for domestic violence cases across the city.
City of Dallas
City of Dallas
So far, 11 domestic violence homicides have been reported, a slight increase from last year. Advocates say it’s part of a concerning and continuing upward trend in recent years.
That reality is something Jan Langbein, CEO of Genesis Women’s Shelter & Supporthas seen firsthand in her more than 30 years working with survivors.
“Unfortunately for the city of Dallas, for the metroplex, and for women everywhere, the numbers remain alarming,” Langbein said. “It takes about five assaults before a woman will reach out to the police.”
Langbein says Genesis answers roughly 20,000 calls and texts every year through its hotline. They work to connect women with help, even if their shelter beds are full.
“The shortage of safe beds is not a reason not to call out for help,” she said. “Genesis provides so much more than shelter – counseling, legal aid, referrals. The good news is, all it takes is one phone call or one text, and we can triage that survivor into appropriate services.”
Langbein adds that ending domestic violence requires a community-wide effort.
“This is a gendered issue, but it’s going to take men and women to end this,” she said. “It can’t be left on the steps of Genesis or the DA’s office or the police department. We all as human beings need to be willing to step up and make a difference. Be aware that one out of every three women you pass in your workplace, your grocery store or even your faith community will know domestic violence on an ongoing basis.”
She is encouraging others to share hotline numbers with those they believe are at risk.
“This abuse is not going to stop until abusers stop abusing,” Langbein added. “We need to start asking not, ‘Why doesn’t she just get out?’ but ‘Why does he do it?’ and hold perpetrators accountable.”
Lt. Lee said domestic violence does not always mean a romantic partner. It can account for family relationships, too.
Her unit provided a list of warning signs of a hurtful relationship and the risks of violence depending on what factors are present. The unit’s website also includes a checklist for victims who are trying to leave a dangerous situation.
RESOURCES
If you or someone you know needs help, call the Genesis Women’s Shelter & Support hotline at 214-946-HELP (4357) or text the same number for confidential assistance.
Click here to access their website.
Click here for The Family Place help link.
To access the National Domestic Violence Hotline, call 800-799-SAFE (7233). Click here for their website.
All of the numbers and links are reported to be confidential.
For a full list of local numbers to resources, shelters and even information on protective orders, click here.
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