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Central Texas Women's Shelter Asks For the Public's Help


Domestic violence is a growing problem throughout Central Texas. The Hays-Caldwell Women's Center has helped a record number of family violence, child abuse and sexual assault victims this year despite a heavy drop in state and federal money to support services – but the center is now pleading to the public for help.

The women's center has helped thousands of men, women and children in Central Texas with offices in San Marcos and Lockhart, but now they’re struggling to maintain services for more and more local victims they say are coming through their doors in record numbers.

"Hays-Caldwell Women's Shelter not only helped me but they helped my children, what my kids went through I couldn't talk about it.  I couldn't discuss it with them,” says a woman who came to the center five years ago after being abused by her spouse for more than 10 Years. Abuse witnessed by her two children -- her ex-husband now a registered sex offender.

She is just one of thousands that have come through the center’s doors to receive free and confidential counseling services tailored to abuse victims.

"They were there to support me and to show me that hey you didn't nothing wrong were here to support you,” she says.

This year HCWC providing services for almost 3,500 through  comprehensive assistance and their 24 hour help line.

"We are seeing a record number of abused children that are coming to us for services," says Marla Johnson, the executive director for the center.

But the center has been hit with a drop in state and federal funding since 2005, causing them to reduce their staff by 10 percent last year. Their covering certain duties with interns and volunteers, but they’re now asking for the community’s help.

If you would like to help go to www.hcwc.org or call 396-help

By Angel Covarrubias