Christina Coultas was still settling in as the new CEO at Hope’s Door New Beginning Center when the COVID-19 pandemic brought new challenges for the organization, its staff and its clients.
She came to HDNBC with 20 years’ experience in the domestic violence and sexual assault field and she calls it her “life’s work.”
She began her career on the hotline at a shelter organization and most recently worked with rape crisis centers across the state through the Texas Association Against Sexual Assault. She was looking for an organization in the local community when she got the job with HDNBC.
Coultas remains dedicated to her calling to assist victims of domestic violence and sexual assault along with all that it entails.
Careers that expose workers to the reality of any type of abuse, are difficult. The CEO said that she often speaks to the staff about how when they work with those who have experienced trauma, they carry a piece of that with them.
“I think as long as you acknowledge that it changes you and you find ways to stay grounded, you’ll be alright,” she said.
Her belief that change is possible and that everyone has the right to be safe in their home keeps her grounded, along with knowing that the fight against the silence of domestic violence is constant. Knowing that you aren’t fighting alone also makes a difference.
“We do this work with a whole community dedicated to working with domestic violence victims and ensuring their families are safe,” Coultas said. “I’m not doing this work alone.”
She described working alongside survivors as a privilege.
The COVID-19 pandemic has caused an increase in domestic violence.
“We know historically in the midst of natural disasters, economic downturns, holidays…that there is sometimes an increase in domestic violence calls,” she said. “We are now living in a time when people are being asked to stay at home, so now they’re forced to be in close spaces together. People’s jobs are vulnerable as well, so there is increased risk because of financial stress.
Coultas said that are more resources and assistance programs for domestic violence and sexual assault victims than ever before and she has seen enhanced training for police and prosecutors. She added that we are more responsive than ever. But said that there is still much more to do toward prevention.
“How do we work ourselves out of a job? How do we change the social norms that are still teaching people that it’s OK to be abusive to your partner? How do we change the cultural dynamic,” she said. “We’ve figured out how to provide services for survivors and victims. Now our challenge is how do we continue that work and how do we prevent domestic violence from even happening.”
We have to teach young people about healthy relationships, boundaries and communication.
“We know the media isn’t going to teach young people about that and they get a lot of mixed messages from our culture,” Coultas said.
She explained that statistics are deceiving because the amount of reported domestic violence is just the “tip of the iceberg.” Most abuse never gets reported. Also, victims are more likely to seek help from a friend or family or pastor than to call a hotline or the police.
Coultas wants to increase awareness and outreach. She also hopes to connect with the community and make sure that a united front against domestic violence is presented.
HDNBC has a prevention and education team that is active in school settings, professional groups, community groups and corporations and reaches 6,000 people per month. They educate everyone about what abuse is. They talk about power and control dynamics and what that means. Abuse is not always physical. It’s also verbal and emotional.
Some of the organization’s services (free to clients) include:
- Counseling – group and individual
- Advocacy/Case Management
- Emergency Shelter
- Legal Assistance – two attorneys available to help with divorce, custody, protective orders
- Resale shop – items available to clients as well as for sale as a fundraiser
- Battering and Prevention Programs for abusers (fee-based)
Procedures during pandemic:
Hope’s Door New Beginning Center has ceased all face-to-face services at our office locations. Services that are normally offered face-to-face will be offered via phone and virtual access.
Help is available 24/7 – Hotline is available 24/7 in English and in Spanish to talk through safety planning, services, and resources. Call anytime at 972-276-0057. Emergency shelter services continue with the utmost care and concern for the safety of victims and our staff.
Volunteer opportunities:
A variety of volunteer opportunities are usually available, but some are suspended during the pandemic. Click here for information. Additionally, the organization has a list of needed items. To donate those, as well as to make cash donations, click here.
Another great way to help HDNBC is to visit their Amazon Wish List and purchase needed items.
About Hope’s Door New Beginning Center: A comprehensive intimate partner and family violence agency serving North Texas. The agency’s mission is to offer intervention and prevention services to individuals and families affected by an intimate partner and family violence and to provide educational programs that enhance the community’s capacity to respond. www.hdnbc.org, Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram. 24-Hour Hotline – 972.276.0057.