Survivor of Domestic Violence Reaches Out To Other Victims

While October is perhaps most recognized for Breast Cancer Awareness Month, it is also the month of awareness of a serious issue - indeed, a disease that pervades many homes in Texas and across the country - domestic violence. The Texas Advocacy Project offers free legal services to victims of domestic violence, sexual assault and stalking. Austin Citysphere received the letter below from Austinite Brenda Larcom, herself a survivor of domestic violence and a client of Texas Advocacy Project, and we are happy to share it below.

Dear Editor:

Last year, 111 Texas women lost their lives to domestic violence. The youngest was only 13 when her boyfriend killed her.

Every October, we observe Domestic Violence Awareness Month. This year I think of that teenage girl who won’t go to her first homecoming game. I can’t help but think that at age 19 that could have been me.

I know I am lucky to have gotten out alive. I am a survivor. I chose to leave. You are probably asking yourself why those 111 women didn’t.

The next time you wonder that, put yourself in their shoes. Ask yourself what you would do if you were forced to leave on foot, without a dollar to your name. Ask yourself what you would do if you feared leaving because you thought he would find you and kill you, or worse yet, take your children from you.

Domestic violence kills but there is hope. If you are ready to leave but are scared, there are resources available. Texas Advocacy Project and the Allstate Foundation have teamed up to make financial and legal help available to help women and their children get and stay safe. To learn more, visit www.TexasAdvocacyProject.org.

Contact:

Brenda Larcom
Domestic Violence Survivor