HOUSTON – Domestic violence is a growing issue claiming more and more lives across the country and right here at home in Houston.
On Friday, a woman was stabbed to death by her husband, according to the Harris County Sheriff’s Office.
This marks the 24th domestic-related murder the sheriff’s office is investigating in 2024.
RELATED: Man arrested, accused of stabbing wife to death in NW Harris County
As part of KPRC 2′s commitment to helping victims of domestic violence find their way to safety through our “Breaking Free” series, we had an open conversation with an organization that’s been helping victims for nearly three decades.
MORE RESOURCES: BREAKING FREE
Fresh Spirit Wellness was founded in 1997 to help “break the chains of domestic violence” by helping victims become survivors, and helping those survivors forge a new path forward.
Founder and CEO Dr. Conte Terrell spoke with KPRC 2′s Gage Goulding on Friday offering an in-depth conversation about domestic violence and breaking free.
Here’s a portion of their conversation:
Gage Goulding: ”Two dozen domestic-related murders. The Harris County Sheriff’s Office is investigating this year alone. Is that an alarming statistic in Houston? Are we seeing more in Houston compared to other parts of the country?”
Dr. Conte Terrell: “It’s growing everywhere. And unfortunately, the African-American woman and female is being killed at a rate higher, three times higher than any other ethnicity.”
Gage Goulding: “A lot of the times people might think the hardest part is realizing you’re in a bad, unhealthy situation. Is that the hardest part or is the hardest part actually getting out of that unhealthy situation.”
Dr. Conte Terrell: “Where you’re halfway there once you realize it. Because you will also be surprised at how many people don’t realize they’re in an abusive relationship or marriage.”
Gage Goulding: “How would you encourage somebody to find that avenue to to safety? How can they do that?”
Dr. Conte Terrell: “But it takes really planning, methodical planning on how to leave an abuser because it’s about power and control. And at that point, that’s when they feel they have lost all control. Every situation is different. Even when we were talking about the safety planning, sometimes, Gage, the safety plan is how to keep you safe in the home until we can get you out.”
Gage Goulding: “So, sometimes it’s not immediate. Sometimes it takes days or weeks.”
Dr. Conte Terrell: “Yes, absolutely.”
Gage Goulding: “When that realizing moment happens, what is the first correct step a victim should take?”
Dr. Conte Terrell: “I think you should definitely call a domestic violence agency. Can I come, come and have a consultation, can come in and have an intake.”
Gage Goulding: “Is there really a true way that I can break free from a violent relationship? Is there really a way that they can move on with their life in a healthy way?”
Dr. Conte Terrell: “Well, you looking at it, I started first grade 27 years ago because I was able to do it. Choose a new life. Yes, it’s going to be hard. But you deserve a life of freedom, a life of safety.”
