FEATURED ARTICLE
Supporting Children
April is both Sexual Assault and Child Abuse Awareness month. Last year roughly 42,717 children in Texas experienced child abuse including sexual abuse, physical abuse, emotional abuse and neglect. Locally, in 2020 Roxanne’s House, the child advocacy center serving Hays and Caldwell counties served 530 victims of child abuse. Child abuse affects children in numerous ways: psychologically, behaviorally, and physically.
Recent Articles
BOOK READING: My Body Belongs to Me from My Head to My Toes
HCWC Children's Counselor Heidi Reddin reads aloud the children's book My Body Belongs to Me from My Head to My Toes, by Pro Familia. This book discusses body safety and the importance of body autonomy for children. Buy on Amazon
Prevention is Possible!
Sexual assault and child abuse are not just “big city” problems. We must acknowledge that these issues happen in our community more often than we would like to think. Therefore, we should focus on preventing sexual assault and child abuse before it happens. Changing social norms, teaching skills, empowering youth, and creating safe environments can help reduce violence in our communities.We all have a [...]
Supporting Someone Who Has Experienced Sexual Assault
It can feel overwhelming when someone tells you that they have been sexually assaulted. You want to respond appropriately and show your support. Finding the right words may seem impossible and like nothing is enough. This is a normal feeling. This shows that you care. The response to someone who has disclosed their trauma is critical in their healing process. The most important thing is that they can feel supported with your better understanding of what is an appropriate and healthy response. Listen and Believe: Without Judgment [...]
Outspoken Episode 4 is Here!
Outspoken Episode 4: Breaking Down Consent Gemma, Kiara, Megan, and Nathan break down consent while discussing headlines featuring Marilyn Manson, T.I. and Tiny, David Dobrick’s Vlog Squad, and others. CW: This episode includes conversations about sexual assault and relationship abuse. Check it Out!
Normalizing “The Talk”
Whenever someone says “We’re having The Talk” people think of the awkward conversation that every parent has with their teen about safe sex. However, there is another “Talk” that needs to happen. The Talk we are looking at today is for younger children and toddlers. Your initial reaction may be that children of that age are too young to have the Talk, but [...]
Interrupting the Cycle of Child Abuse
April is both Sexual Assault and Child Abuse Awareness month. The following article is the first article of a four-week series focusing on raising awareness about sexual assault and child abuse. 2 in 5 women and 1 in 5 men will experience a form of sexual abuse/assault in their lifetime. Last year roughly 42,717 children in Texas experienced child abuse including [...]
Digital Abuse: Healthy Love Online and Off
Technology can be a great way to stay connected to the world and those around us. We use it to talk, text, order food, and catch up on our favorite shows. When introduced into relationships, the line between healthy and unhealthy can get confusing. Digital Abuse 1 in 4 teens is harassed through technology. Technology should make us feel [...]
Outspoken Episode 3 is Here!
Check out Outspoken episode 3: Social Change in 2020, where Kiara, Megan, and Nathan reflect back on the outspoken people and moments of 2020 and how they relate to the movement against sexual violence. Check it Out!
The Reality of Dating Violence
“That doesn’t happen to young people.” “It’s not a big deal.” “If it is happening, it should be easy for them to just break-up.” These are all common misconceptions that relate to the prevalence and impact of dating violence. Dating violence occurs among young people at an alarming rate. The short and long-term effects of experiencing dating [...]
Take Action to Prevent Dating Violence
Dating Violence Awareness Month is a national effort to raise awareness about the impacts of dating abuse and encourage communities to support teens and young adults in seeking healthy relationships. Though these conversations are important to have year-round, February gives us the opportunity to shine a light on dating abuse and inspire conversations about healthy relationships in order to stop violence before it starts. How will you [...]
LGBTQ Relationships
Relationships are as different as the people in them. The same goes for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer/questioning (LGBTQ) relationships. There are qualities all healthy relationships should have and abuse is never one of them. No matter who you love or how you identify, everyone deserves a safe and healthy relationship. Healthy LGBTQ Relationships Your relationship should make [...]
LGBTQ Pride Month
What began as a day to commemorate the 1969 Stonewall Uprising in New York City, a tipping point for the LGBTQ rights movement in the United States, LGBTQ Pride Month has grown into a celebration of equality, visibility, and resilience. The Stonewall Uprising, also known as the Stonewall riots, is a part of many moments in history where communities fought long-standing violence, abuse, [...]