KILLEEN, Texas — 28-year-old Ta'Nesha Haywood was killed by her husband on July 22 in a murder-suicide. Her father, John Haywood, and Aware Central Texas are both working to end the cycle of domestic violence.
"I still hear her voice," Haywood said. "I just called her yesterday, left a voicemail on her phone, and I texted. I said, 'Baby, I love you.'"
The National Abuse Hotline says domestic violence happens to 24 people every minute. Aware Central Texas has helped over 4,000 people in several counties including, Bell, Coryell, Lampasas and Milam Counties.
The nonprofit offers a variety of services to end the cycle of domestic violence such as:
- One-on-one case management crisis intervention
- Getting help with protective orders
- Danger assessments
- Safety planning
- Parenting classes
- Anger management classes
All provided services are free. Executive Director of Aware Central Texas Jessica Gresham says domestic violence is not just physical abuse.
"It's emotional abuse, it's mental abuse, it's financial abuse, it's cultural abuse," Gresham said. "So we have to get all of that and understand that it's not just someone putting hands on another partner or individual. You know, there's more to it than what sometimes Hollywood makes it out to be."
If you or someone you know are struggling and need help, the first step is to reach out and let someone know. You can reach out to the National Domestic Violence Hotline by calling 800-799-7233. If you're in immediate danger, call 911.
There are also the following local Central Texas agencies:
Aware Central Texas
Killeen Location: 2408 S. Clear Creek Rd. Ste. 201 | Killeen, TX 76549 | 254.213.2986
Temple Location: 212 W Adams Ave | Temple, TX 76501| 254.939.7582
Waco
Family Abuse Center
Advocacy Center For Crime Victims & Children
Temple
Families In Crisis Inc
http://familiesincrisis.net/, 254-634-1184
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