HHS News Release

HHS Secretary Donna E. Shalala today announced the award of $l million to the Texas Council on Family Violence to establish a national, toll-free telephone hotline for victims of domestic violence. The hotline number and service will be in operation within six months.

"Domestic violence disrupts communities, devastates families and destroys relationships," said Secretary Shalala. "The most urgent need for victims who begin the process of escaping the violence is to know that they can be safe, that they are not alone, and that there are people they can turn to for help. This national, toll-free telephone hotline will be available to families in need anytime day or night, 365 days a year."

The purpose of the hotline is to provide information and referral services, counseling, and assistance to victims of domestic violence, their children, other family members, and the general public. Funded under the Violence Against Women Act within the Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act of 1994, the Crime Bill, the hotline will operate throughout the fifty states, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands.

The hotline will be able to provide immediate assistance and will also be able to connect callers to help in their community, including emergency services and shelters. Operators will provide assistance to Spanish and other non-English speakers and the hearing impaired.

"The hotline will be able to respond to the broad range of violence that occurs in the context of family and intimate relationships," said Mary Jo Bane, HHS assistant secretary for children and families. "In the many communities without 24-hour hotlines, victims and their families will be able to reach a caring and knowledge person to help them through this painful trauma."

In the United States, a woman is more likely to be assaulted, injured, raped or killed by a male partner than any other type of assailant. Every year, l,300 to l,400 women are murdered by their boyfriend or husband. Approximately one-fourth of all hospital emergency room visits by women result from domestic assaults. It takes a devastating toll on children who are exposed to its cruelty. Over 3 million children witness parental violence every year.

The Texas Council on Family Violence has provided leadership and vital support to families in crisis for seventeen years. In 1994, the council's 62 shelters statewide have secured a safe place for nearly 30,000 adults and children and answered over 150,000 crisis calls through its 24-hour hotline. New laws aiding battered women and technical assistance to family violence and criminal justice programs and law enforcement are further achievements of the council. The council has been honored by National Improvement of Justice Foundation and the University of Houston Law School Foundation.

Note: All HHS press releases, fact sheets and other press materials are available at http://www.hhs.gov/news.

Contact: Michael Kharfen (202) 401-9215