The city of Pharr announced the launch of the Domestic Violence Crisis Response Unit, which aims to help victims of domestic abuse.
The new unit is a partnership with the Pharr Police Department, the Hidalgo County District Attorney’s Office and other community resource agencies.
According to a news release, the specially-trained unit was created in an effort to provide domestic abuse victims with support, such as temporary shelter, counseling, and resources for resulting investigations.
“This collaboration is yet another step in the way we want to police in our city,” Pharr Police Chief Andrew Harvey said. “This serious issue of domestic violence is a community issue and it takes a community team to resolve it.
“We are so proud of all our partners who are helping us and honored for their assistance as we work together to address domestic violence and provide assistance to those in need,” continued. “We will do whatever it takes to keep our victims safe and seek justice on their behalf.”
During a news conference Monday, the police department and the district attorney’s office each presented a $2,500 donation to Mujeres Unidas, a nonprofit community service organization that provides shelter and support to victims of domestic violence and sexual assault.
According to a study by the National Domestic Violence Hotline, one in four women were reluctant to contact law enforcement for help, and approximately two-thirds of these women believed that law enforcement wouldn’t help them.
“The Hidalgo County District Attorney’s Office is ecstatic that the Pharr Police Department has stepped up to the plate to address the issue of the dangers of domestic violence through tangible solutions by creating this important response team here in the City of Pharr,” Hidalgo County District Attorney Ricardo Rodriguez said. “I commend the mayor, city commissioners, Chief Harvey, and all our partners for bringing this response unit to the community and helping to protect domestic violence victims. Victims have rights and our office stands ready to assist and support investigations and possible prosecutions that may arise from these efforts, promote appropriate justice, and ensure victims’ safety.”
