HAWC Mentor Sheila Jackson Lee's Work Was Critical in Anti-Violence Movement
Our community lost a fierce advocate and leader in the fight for social justice. At HAWC, Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee was also a friend and mentor serving on the board of directors and more recently on HAWC’s Advisory Board. We had the honor of knowing her and the privilege of working alongside her in the anti-violence movement. Together, we stood up and spoke out for improved services for survivors and prevention of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, sex trafficking, and stalking.
“Losing a leader like Sheila Jackson Lee demands a moment of reckoning for all of us who listen when #SurvivorsSpeak and want to put an end to domestic and sexual violence,” HAWC President and CEO Emilee Whitehurst says. “She carried so much of the movement to end violence on her shoulders, and it is now our job to carry forward the work she pioneered. All of us at HAWC are forever grateful for her passionate support of our work with survivors to save lives.”
The Houston Area Women’s Center has been at the forefront of providing services to survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and sex trafficking for 47 years. Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee dedicated much of her nearly three decades in Congress leading efforts on the reauthorization of the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA), which creates and supports comprehensive services and resources to survivors. VAWA is critical to our work to support survivors at HAWC, and these programs save lives.
“Thank you, Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee, for creating a culture of action supporting survivors of domestic abuse, sexual assault, and sex trafficking. Your light will continue to shine in us as we work towards social justice,” HAWC Deputy CEO Sonia Corrales says.
As the Congresswoman stated, “VAWA is central to our nation’s effort to fight the epidemic of domestic, sexual and dating violence and stalking. This work did not happen on its own. It was the product of a collaborative effort of stakeholders including victim advocates.”
HAWC is deeply grateful for her strength, bravery, and fierce commitment to equality, equity and justice for all. The spirit in which she led will live on in advocates around the country, at HAWC, and in the survivors who will always remember her.
As part of HAWC’s initiative to create a safer community in Houston, a longstanding commitment for Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee, we are expanding, tripling our capacity to provide real-time safety. The new 135-unit emergency and supportive housing facility will be finished by early 2025, meeting the needs of the community to reduce wait times and better support survivors. We must have financial support to continue to expand as the need in Houston continues to escalate.
When you donate to HAWC, you support survivors.
ICYMI:
• Research shows family violence increases in the wake of natural disasters.
• Real change begins when #SurvivorsSpeak. View HAWC’s powerful campaign here.
What is #HAWCFutureForward? Learn more about how HAWC is expanding safety and improving access.
Are you ready for a rewarding career empowering survivors of domestic and sexual violence? Join HAWC and #PursueYourPassion! Review open positions and apply today.
There are many ways to make a difference at HAWC! Learn more at Get Involved.