Guadalupe County declares October Domestic Violence Awareness Month

(Seguin) — The reality of domestic violence is not being lost in the shadows here in Guadalupe County.

The Guadalupe County Commissioners Court last week unanimously approved a proclamation formally designating October 2025 as Domestic Violence Awareness Month. The proclamation calls on residents to support survivors, recognize the signs of abuse, and stand with organizations working to provide safety and resources to those affected.

Staff from Thriving Hearts Crisis Center, formerly known as the Guadalupe Valley Family Violence Shelter, were among those in attendance for the presentation. During the meeting, Brandon Rossett, awareness and education coordinator for the center, shared a somber reminder how Seguin nor any place across the world are immune to this issue.

Rossett also extended an invitation to the public for Thriving Hearts’ annual candlelight vigil in downtown Seguin.

“Here in Seguin with Domestic Violence Awareness Month, we have had this past year, two victims of domestic violence. Wednesday, 6 p.m. down here at the gazebo, we will be having our annual vigil, and we will be naming off all the names of the people that have passed away from domestic violence. We invite anybody that wants to attend,” said Rossett.

The vigil will be titled “Thriving Hearts Illuminates Seguin: Their Names Will Not Be Forgotten.” Rossett says attendees will gather to honor the lives lost to domestic violence in Texas, with names read aloud in remembrance as candles are lit in their memory.

During the meeting, Pct. 4 Commissioner Stephen Germann read from the county’s official proclamation. He affirmed the county’s commitment to working alongside local agencies and community members to break the cycle of violence.

He shared, “Here in this community, Thriving Hearts Crisis Center (formerly Guadalupe Valley Family Violence Shelter) answered 1182 crisis calls and provided 6897 services to survivors from September 2024 to August 2025; and Whereas, women are not the only targets; men, young children and the elderly also are victims, and sadly, emotional scars are often permanent, and domestic violence costs United States’ companies at least $3.5 billion in lost work time, increased health care costs, higher turnover, and lower productivity.”

Germann further explained how domestic violence affects individuals regardless of race, age, gender, or income level.

“The problems of domestic violence are not confined to any group or groups of people, but cut across all economic, racial and societal barriers, and are supported by societal indifferences,” read Germann.

If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, please contact the 24/7 crisis hotline at 800-834-2033. Free services and resources are avaible. Individuals are also asked to learn more by visiting safeseguin.org.