HAWC makes recommendation to HPD on suspended cases

HOUSTON — The Houston Area Women’s Center is further sharing its recommendations for the independent review of HPD.

This is linked to the hundreds of thousands of suspended investigations, many of which involve sexual assault cases.

The Houston Area Women’s Center, also known as HAWC, is part of the Harris County Sexual Assault Response Team.

In the most recent HPD interim preliminary report, HAWC is listed as a trainer and partner. They suggested that Houston police update its victim notification protocols following their independent review.

On Thursday morning, HAWC staff showed KHOU 11 News their new four-story housing complex that is expected to open at the end of the year. This 5 1/2 acre facility will serve victims of sexual and domestic violence who need care.

HAWC shared with the Center how they recommend mandatory survivor-centered, trauma-informed HAWC training for all members of HPD’s Special Victims Division.

During the 55-hour training, officers can learn to understand traumatic reactions in cases of sexual and domestic violence.

HAWC also wants to help update HPD’s victim notification protocols so that they are more sensitive and targeted to survivors.

Miss Houston, Mary Sickler, shared what police asked her when she reported her rape case. Next, HAWC and HPD shared their collaboration.

“When the first question was asked, ‘What were you wearing?'” said Miss Houston, a sexual assault survivor.

“Recently, we were invited to go back to HPD and meet with the chief of staff as well as victim services,” said Sonia Corrales, deputy executive director of HAWC.

“Victim Services also has officers assigned to this unit who have already completed this training. We are now extending this training to investigators,” said Elizabeth Lorenzana, HPD Special Victims Division.

She added that they recently added 12 new investigators to their unit.

Ugochi Iloka on social media: Facebook | X | Instagram