Liberty County Community Coalition Meeting Focuses on Domestic Violence

The Liberty County Community Coalition (LCCC) held its quarterly meeting at Texas Emergency Hospital in Liberty, Texas. The meeting focused on domestic violence in anticipation of Domestic Violence Awareness Month in October. The event brought together experts, community leaders, and service
organizations to address the impact of domestic violence and share valuable resources. The event, sponsored by Texas Emergency Hospital in Cleveland, provided both the venue and lunch for attendees.

Maria Chiappe De la Flor, Coordinator of the Liberty County Community Coalition and Communications and Community Outreach for Emergency Hospital Systems, expressed her appreciation for the collaborative efforts displayed during the meeting. “These quarterly gatherings provide a valuable
platform for exchanging information and fostering relationships among organizations. The increasing participation of organizations reflects a collective dedication to addressing our community’s most pressing issues together.” She said.

The event featured guest speakers Robin Gandara, Director of Client Services at FamilyTime Crisis and Counseling Center, and Linda Quiroz, Director of Programs and Outreach for Montgomery County Women’s Center. Their presentations provided a comprehensive overview of domestic violence, covering vital topics such as state and local statistics, types of abuse, the power and control cycle, resources and services available in Liberty County, and the often-overlooked issue of elder abuse.

Lola Jones, licensed professional counselor for Liberty ISD, served as the meeting’s facilitator, emphasizing the importance of community collaboration. “The power of community brings unity. We are better together,” Jones stated, underscoring the coalition’s mission to tackle domestic violence collectively.

Domestic violence remains a leading cause of injury among women aged 15-44. In 2022, 216 Texans were killed by their intimate partner, according to the Texas Council on Family Violence (TCFV). Nationwide, 37% of injured women seeking emergency medical treatment in the U.S. are victims of domestic violence. More than 1 in 3 women and 1 in 4 men have experienced either physical violence, rape, or stalking by an intimate partner in their lifetime. In 2019, Liberty County alone recorded 185 incidents of family violence, according to the Texas Advocacy Project.

Robin Gandara remarked, “Addressing the issue of domestic violence as a coalition demonstrates our shared commitment to providing essential resources and support to survivors while promoting safety and lasting change.”

In addition to domestic violence, elder abuse was also a significant topic of discussion. The Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) reported over 50,000 cases of elder abuse, neglect, or exploitation in private residences in 2022, along with more than 85,000 investigations into suspected abuse of elderly Texans. These statistics reinforce the need for community action to protect all vulnerable individuals.

However, the true amounts of abuse may be underreported, especially in rural areas like Liberty County, where isolation and limited resources prevent many victims from reporting. Fear of retaliation and a lack of support services further contribute to the underreporting of these cases.

Representatives from a diverse range of organizations including: the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS), Texas Health and Human Services (THHC), Texas A&M AgriLife Extension, Tri-County Behavioral Healthcare, Emergency Hospital Systems, The Health Center of Southeast Texas, MET, Inc, (Motivation, Education, and Training, Inc), El Amanecer News, Pct.6 Constable, Liberty County, Liberty ISD, Operation Refuge, Star Texas Health Steps, Lone Star College, among other organizations.

The meeting served as a dynamic platform for open discussions, knowledge-sharing, and networking, all underscoring the coalition’s commitment to addressing urgent community issues. The LCCC looks forward to building on the momentum from this meeting and continuing its work with its members to create a safer, more connected Liberty County.

If you or a significant other is a victim of domestic violence, please refer to the following resources:

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