Current Legislation

A Strong Voice for Victims

The Houston Area Women’s Center continues to be a strong advocate for victims of domestic and sexual violence. Our staff members have a vast array of experience in working with and on behalf of survivors. For 35 years, our staff members have been heavily involved in several state and local policy making committees aimed at formulating more favorable policies and procedures for victims of domestic and sexual violence. 

Current Activity 

Strategic Approaches to Sexual Assault Evidence: Houston SAK Taskforce

Funded by the National Institute of Justice, this Houston taskforce is charged with identifying underlying reasons why sexual assault evidence kits are not being tested and to develop practices for improving the criminal justice response to sexual assault. Sonia Corrales, Chief Program Officer for the Women's Center, represents the victim impact of current backlog issues, as well as advocates on their behalf for any protocols developed by the taskforce. Additionally, other Women's Center staff have been involved through their participation in the focus group and communications (op-ed and response to media).

Harris County Domestic Violence Coordinating Council: Domestic Violence Safety and Accountability Assessment Team

This taskforce is conducting safety assessments of various systems, looking at policies and protocol, and making recommendations for best practices. Chief Program Officer Sonia Corrales represents the Women's Center on this team, and several of our Center's staff have participated in focus groups regarding police response to domestic violence.

Taskforce to Address the Relationship between Domestic Violence and Child Abuse and Neglect

This relatively new taskforce is responsible for developing a detailed report on the activities and finding of the committee, including reporting their findings and recommendations, including proposed policy recommendations and best practice guidelines. Chief Program Officer, Sonia Corrales represents the Women's Center on this team and will develop a regional committee that will be made up of Women's Center staff, additional domestic violence shelter representatives, CPS, Law enforcement, and medical professionals for the purpose of taking back information to the taskforce.