Lillian Smith Family Violence Foundation

143 Pelican Cove Dr. Rockwall TX 75087

214-256-4071 or email us at jj@lilliansmith.org

Normal, healthy families laugh and hug...

Since 2005 approximately 500 family violence incidents per year have been reported to law enforcement departments in Rockwall, Heath, Royse City and Rockwall County. Since law enforcement experts estimate that only 25 percent of incidents are reported, there are likely more than 2,000 incidents per year.

Since 2005 there have been 340 confirmed victims of child abuse, an average of 68 per year, according to CPS statistics. In 2005-2006, the annual average was only 45 victims but in 2008 and 2009 the number basically doubled to 90 and 87 victims, respectively. In 2009 the number dropped to 73. Experts estimate that the actual number of child abuse/neglect cases is probably three times greater than reported to CPS or law enforcement.

Fortunately, Rockwall County's percentage of confirmed child abuse/neglect victims per 1,000 children has remained low during the past five years compared with many other Texas Counties. In 2009, for example, the percentage was just 3.6 percent, compared with highs of 126.7 percent in Schleicher County, 87.1 percent in Dickens Co. and 46.8 percent in Crosby Co.

But any child abuse/neglect is too high.

Dating violence is a newer concern to the County. Although no local statistics exist, three in four (75%) 16 to 24-year-old Texans have either been personally involved in dating violence or know someone who has, according to a 2006 study conducted by the Texas Council on Family Violence, with support from the Texas Attorney General's Office.

Two in four (50%) Texans of this same age group report they have been personally involved in dating violence.

Since 2006, J.J. Smith and Roxana Smith have been networking and meeting with community leaders across Rockwall County to organize a community-wide effort to prevent and reduce the growing family violence problem. Numerous meetings have been held with law enforcement, governmental, community and educational leaders.

The Foundation organized its first annual "Lillian Smith Race To End Abuse" 5K/Walk to raise awareness and funds for public education, 10/31/09. Despite such conflicts as Halloween and Rockwall High School's Homecoming Dance, 125 people participated in the event near the Kroger Food Store.

Title sponsor was Heritage Christian Academy of Rockwall, which contributed $5,000 cash.

Walmart was the presenting sponsor, donating several thousand dollars worth of fruit, drinks and prizes.

Other sponsors were:

U.S. Congressman Ralph Hall

Rockwall County Criminal District Attorney Kenda Culpepper

Rockwall ISD

Rockwall Running Center

Lady of America Fitness

Eclipse Fitness Center

Joe Willy's Restaurant

Taco Casa

Palio's Italian Cafe