The organization - along with the Kickapoo Traditional Tribe of Texas and the Texas Council on Family Violence from Austin, Tx - held a conference on working with domestic violence survivors and keeping their families safe, at the Kickapoo Lucky Eagle Casino Hotel on Tuesday, September 24.

During the event representatives from various organizations discussed issues related to domestic violence and how their agencies can increase the odds to assist those in need.

Winter Garden Women's Shelter representatives including Director Erica Bustamante, Supervisor Zee Flores and Maverick County representative Carolina Gonzalez welcomed those in attendance and emphasized the great importance of being there for the victims.

Assisting victims of family violence often is difficult due to many circumstances. Those barriers may weigh heavy on the victims and those who are trying to help them.

Because of the diversity we have in Texas, survivors, and those that serve them across the state, experience and encounter a variety of different and similar barriers.

"We know that in Texas, 5 million lifetime victims of family violence occupy homes across Texas; in reality only a tiny portion of these victims ever seek services, so the challenge for us is finding and working with survivors 'where they’re at'. Effective and efficient family violence center services represent a strong ethic for our state; we also look for opportunities to help marginalized communities move forward from violence. Changes to immigration enforcement have created significant fear amongst survivors and those related to them. Texas’ 39 percent turnaway- rate for those seeking services represents the highest percentage of any state in the country and so of course this is a significant barrier,” reports the Texas Council on Family Violence.

If you or a loved one is a victim of family violence you can contact Mrs. Gonzalez at (830) 757-5188 or stop by 465 Quarry St.

There were numerous service presentations including from "In Her Shoes” from Texas Council on Family Violence, Winter Garden Women's Shelter, Inc. Child Protective Services Process, CPS Investigations, CPS Family Based Safety Services, and CPS, BCFS Health & Human Services- Del Rio, Middle Rio Grande Development Council-9-1-1 Department, Working With Survivors Who Have Open CPS Cases, Southwest Family Life Centers, Inc. Hondo, Camino Real MHMR- Crystal City, and Family Services Association from Crystal City.