Turner joins groups calling for 'end to domestic violence'

Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner joined several community members Oct. 7 to highlight National Domestic Violence Awareness Month.

"Together, we are calling an end to a surge in interpersonal violence," the mayor tweeted.

He was joined by representatives from the Houston Area Women’s Center, the Houston Police Department, the Harris County Sheriff’s Office, Crime Stoppers of Houston and leaders of other local organizations, Click2 Houston reported.

Domestic violence cases were up 74% in Houston from Jan. 1 to Sept. 30, the Houston Police Department said, according to Click2Houston.

“Domestic violence can be physical, emotional, psychological or social economic including actions and threats of actions,” the police department's Commander J. A. Halliday, said. “It can affect people from all ethnic, racial and socioeconomic backgrounds.”

Turner called for increased awareness on domestic violation and more support for survivors, the story said.

The city is collaborating with the group No More, which launched the Join the Chorus awareness campaign in October.

For emergencies, victims of domestic violence should call or text 911 or call the Crime Victims Unit at  713-274-9369, Click2Houston said. The Houston Area Women’s Center can also help. It can be reached at 713-528-2121, the station said.