Houston Police Department

February 14, 2006 -- Members of the Houston Men Against Family Violence campaign met on Friday, February 10 with spiritual leaders from throughout the community seeking their assistance in stamping out family violence. For the past year, Houston Police Chief Hurtt has worked alongside many of these same leaders and law enforcement partners as part of our Houston Men Against Family Violence campaign. Physical and mental abuse of loved ones is a devastating crime that has a lasting effect upon those involved. These terrible acts also extend far into our community, perpetuating violence in many forms. One's home, just as one's church, should be a place of sanctuary where women and children flourish, not cower in fear.

Chief Hurtt asked the Ministers Against Crime and other religious leaders deliver to their congregations a pre-Valentines Day message denouncing violence in the home, while encouraging the men of Houston to take a stand against family violence during the weekend of February 10-13, 2006. The over 40 ministers and spiritual leaders in attendance representing thousands of parishioners enthusiastically agreed on the need for such a far reaching effort. "In many cases, we have great influence in peoples' lives. I can not think of a more worthy effort," said one prominent local minister.

For more information, please contact the HPD Public Affairs Division at 713-308-3200.

For additional information, please contact the HPD Public Affairs Division at 713-308-3200.