This is the second part of a year-long series about domestic violence in Texas.
Domestic violence incidents down, but cases can move slowly and programs lack funds.
When Texas police officers answer an emergency domestic violence call these days, they go armed with a gun — and a piece of paper.
The gun is for protection. So is the paper.
The paper contains information about shelters, counseling, hotlines and legal services and often is small enough to fit inside a shoe or a lipstick case — places abusers rarely check. But it’s a big sign of how Texas laws have changed since domestic violence became a public health issue 35 years ago.
Experts say most of the laws needed to address domestic violence are on the books. But funding for enforcement, support programs and prevention is still lacking.
http://res.dallasnews.com/interactives/2014_deadlyaffection/part2/
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