TEXAS, USA — A new law now in effect promises to hold family violence centers across Texas accountable while ensuring survivors receive quality care no matter where they go.
Marta Pelaez, president of Family Violence Prevention Services, working alongside the Texas Council on Family Violence, has for more than a decade pushed for an established set of standards for organizations that provide services to survivors of domestic violence.
Texas Senate Bill 1841 outlines a comprehensive set of standards for organizations that wish to become or continue serving as sanctuaries of safety for victims of domestic violence.
The legislation outlines contractual obligations facilities must adhere to in order to be approved for state funding.
“The most critical aspect, I think, is that services need to be delivered with a trauma informed approach,” Pelaez said. “It needs to respect the decisions of the victim that approaches a shelter and that a certain number of services need to be in place for anyone to apply for an application to set up a shelter."
The voluntary and trauma-informed approach entails a variety of services, including the requirement for on-site medical clinics, lodging and access to 24/7 crisis hotline. Peer support programs led by victims of family violence must also be available.
The law prohibits organizations from mandating victims seeking or utilizing shelter to take part in other services.
“I am delighted that such a comprehensive approach will now be put in place for all programs out there so that victims can rely on the fact that it doesn’t matter what program they knock on for their protection and their safety, that they will be guaranteed that the same level of service will be provided to them,” Pelaez said.
As the Texas Council on Family Violence continues advocating for change, he stressed the significance of this latest legislation.
“Not everybody is appropriate for shelter, not everybody wants to come to shelter. So for those people, there are also a number of services that now will have to be in place in order to apply for funding and consideration by the state,” Pelaez said. “It is an important move in the movement of domestic violence and the movement to protect and service victims of domestic violence.”