Dec. 18: Domestic violence

HOUSTON -

One in every four women will experience domestic violence in her lifetime. That statistic from the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence is just one of the startling facts to come out of this week's conversation on Beyond the Headlines.

In the wake of the tragic killings of four Bay City children by a father who took his own life, it was revealed that a scared wife and mother had sought and received safe harbor just days prior to those deadly shootings. Did she do enough? Did authorities do enough? Did she call the right organization for help? Where would you go if you felt threatened.

All of those questions will discussed on this week's Beyond the Headlines program.

Joining host Khambrel Marshall -- Leticia Manzano, the Manager of Counseling and Advocacy Services for the Houston Area Women's center. Leticia is often one of the first people to meet a woman seeking help and support to get out of a dangerous relationship.

Also joining Khambrel is Lt. Joe Levingston, the officer in charge of the Houston Police Department Family Violence Program. He will talk about what HPD is able to do to help spouses get out of dangerous situations.

In Texas, there were more than 196,000 incidents of family violence in 2009. About 111 women were killed by their intimate partners that year, the last year for which official numbers are available.

"Geneva" was one of the women who was able to get out of an abusive situation and will talk about how she got into her abusive relationship. Even more importantly, she talks about how she got out.

If you are in an abusive relationship, or if you know someone who is, please watch this program and get the help you or your loved one needs.

More Information:

Leticia Manzano: Manager of Counseling-Houston Area Women's Center (713) 528-6798, www.hawc.org
Lt. Joe Levingston: Officer in Charge, Houston Police Department Family Violence Program (713) 308-1100 or call 911

Texas Domestic Violence Shelter Information: