Press Release

Congressman Henry Cuellar presents $300k to Webb County Sheriff's Office, in collaboration with Casa de Misericordia Domestic Violence Shelter

Funds will be used to provide domestic violence victims within the community with the protection and social services they require to continue a safe and healthy life

Washington, September 13, 2013
Tags: Grants

Laredo, TX. – Congressman Henry Cuellar, (D-TX/28) presented $300,000 in federal funds in support of a collaborative partnership between the Webb County Sheriff’s Office and Casa de Misericordia Domestic Violence Shelter. In attendance were Webb County Judge Danny Valdez, Webb County Sheriff Martin Cuellar and Casa de Misericordia Domestic Violence Shelter Director Sister Rosemary Welsh.

“Victims of domestic violence sustain not only physical, but mental abuse from their perpetrators,” said Congressman Cuellar.”I strongly believe that advocating feasible outlets and resources for these victims to continue their lives with the absence of fear is one of the many reasons that we as community should support the efforts being made through this partnership. The judicial and social assistance this grant provides will ensure the Webb County Sheriff’s Office and the Casa de Misericordia Domestic Violence Shelter will continue to provide these victims with supportive services and inspire current victims to reach out and attain the protection they undoubtedly deserve.”

  


Congressman Cuellar addressing attendees at the Department of Justice Office on Violence Against Women Grant Award Press Conference

 
These funds were derived from the Grants to Encourage Arrest Policies and Enforcement of Protection Orders Program under the Department of Justice’s Office of Violence against Women. 

 

“I want to thank Congressman Henry Cuellar for his diligent efforts in allocating these funds. The success of Casa de Misericordia is not only possible by grants and volunteers, but also by the dedication of commitment from Sister Rosemary Welsh in conjunction with our Webb County Sheriff Martin Cuellar. "

 

The Arrest Program being supported by these funds aim to provide a safe environment for victims of domestic abuse, as well as accountability and justice for their perpetrators. Issues such as domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault and stalking are all pertinent to the services this partnership will provide. In addition, the program aspires to enhance and encourage certain jurisdictions to implement pro-arrest policies, in order to coordinate an effective community response.

 

 


(Featured from L-R): Webb County Sheriff Martin Cuellar, Webb County Sheriff’s Office Grant Writer Anita L. Guerra, Congressman Henry Cuellar, Assistant Chief Pedro Arredondo, Webb County Judge Danny Valdez, Casa de Misericordia Board Member Paty Figuerroa, Cassa de Misericordia Director Sister Rosemary Welsh, Justice of the Peace Oscar Liendo, Webb County Commissioner for Precinct 2 Rosaura “Wawi” Tijerina and Webb County Sheriff’s Office Commander J.J. Rendon

“This grant will allow us to continue with the mission of the Sheriff’s Office of assisting and protecting women and their children who have been victims of domestic violence. We all know that this crime does not discriminate, and this is why we are doing everything we can to let victims know that they must report it immediately,” said Sheriff Martin Cuellar. “I thank Congressman Henry Cuellar for all his efforts in helping ensure these much needed funds made their way to Webb County.”

 

The implementation of this project will enhance investigations of domestic violence, sexual assault, dating violence, and stalking incidents for underserved populations in Webb County. Furthermore, the Casa de Misericordia Domestic Violence Shelter will continue to sustain their legal advocacy and community outreach efforts.

 

“Domestic violence is an issue that will stop only when the entire community comes together and commits to creating change,” said Casa de Misericordia Domestic Violence Shelter Director, Sister Rosemary Welsh. “Casa de Misericordia is privileged to collaborate with the Webb County Sheriff’s Office to improve our community’s response to domestic violence.  With the support of the U.S. Department of Justice – Office on Violence Against Women and their recognition that domestic violence is a serious issue, Casa de Misericordia looks forward to continuing this partnership in making Webb County a safe place for all families.”

 

 

 

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 Congressman Henry Cuellar is a member of the U.S. House Appropriations Committee, Vice Chairman of the House Steering and Policy Committee, Senior Whip, and member of the Blue Dog Coalition. Previously, he served as a Texas State Representative and Texas Secretary of State.

 

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