What happens when someone finally says, "I need help"? In this episode of Spotlight Houston, host Blanca Quezada talks with Celinda Guerra from the Houston Area Women's Center (HAWC) about how they help people heal from domestic violence, sexual assault, and sex trafficking. HAWC provides free, private help for women, children, and men who are facing abuse. Celinda shares how their team offers emotional support, safe housing, legal aid, and more—so survivors can feel safe and move forward. HAWC offers 24/7 hotlines for domestic violence and sexual assault. Survivors can talk to trained advocates in English, Spanish, and 140 other languages using interpreters. For those who can't speak safely, a live chat option is available on their website. Support begins the moment someone reaches out. Once connected, survivors have access to counseling, either one-on-one or in groups, to begin healing from trauma. Legal advocates help with protective orders and explain survivors' rights. Hospital advocates provide support during exams after an assault and even bring clean clothes when needed. HAWC also helps survivors create safety plans tailored to their unique situation. The organization's economic empowerment program teaches job skills, helps with financial literacy, and connects survivors to resources so they can rebuild independent lives. HAWC supports the whole family—offering child care, parenting classes, and even an on-site HISD school so children stay safe and learning. HAWC recently opened One Safe Place, a beautiful new housing center with three times more room—offering 360 beds and on-site services to help survivors heal, grow, and thrive. Don't miss HAWC's Annual Believe Luncheon on Wednesday, April 23, 2025, from 12:00–1:00 PM at the Marriott Marquis Houston, 1777 Walker St. Registration and social hour start at 11:00 AM. Harris County District Attorney Sean Teare will speak at the event. Get tickets and details at: https://hawc.org/believe2025/. Key points discussed: 24/7 hotlines for domestic violence (713-528-2121) and sexual assault (713-528-7273) Emergency shelter and transitional housing at their new center, One Safe Place Onsite HISD school and childcare Counseling and mental health support Legal aid and hospital accompaniment Economic empowerment programs to help survivors become independent Services for LGBTQ+ survivors and survivors with immigration concerns New chat feature at https://www.hawc.org for those who can't call safely New episodes drop every Monday! Do you have an idea or feedback for us? We'd love to hear from you! Follow us on social media, and don't forget to leave us a rating or review on your favorite podcatcher: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SpotlightHoustonShow Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/spotlighthoustonshow Threads: https://www.threads.net/@spotlighthoustonshow TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@spotlighthoustonshow YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SpotlightHoustonShow  

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