AUSTIN, Texas — The Austin Police Department's Victim Services division is set to receive extra funding to help domestic violence survivors after a resolution was passed by council members on Jan. 18.
City Councilmember Alison Alter, who represents District 10, said the additional money will help access more tools to combat domestic violence such as security locks and cameras.
"I think we've really been finding that the Victim's Services emergency fund has been a very important tool for Victim Services and, in our conversations, discovered that they really needed funding for these locks and these security cameras, which are becoming more and more important," Alter said.
The resolution comes at a time when an Austin father is reeling from the loss of his 19-year-old daughter who died at the hands of a dangerous relationship.
"This funding has been a lifeline both for our Victim Services department to be able to serve the survivors, but for our survivors to get us tickets out of town to get a night's stay in an Airbnb, if they need a down payment on an apartment," Alter said.
Naomi Davis was shot and killed by her ex-boyfriend, 20-year-old Martin Rodriguez, after he was released from jail, according to authorities. Her father, Scott Davis, said Naomi never spoke out and reminded him of the importance of seeking help.
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"Maybe even if there was ... Something as a part of education in the school system, that just talks about the things that you need to be aware of when you're in a dangerous relationship and how badly those things can turn out," Scott Davis said.
On Wednesday, he and others who knew Naomi Davis gathered to honor her memory. While the pain is still fresh, he is humbled by the support others lend.
"It's going to take a lot of time for me to really settle into to everything that's happened," Scott Davis said. "But it's really nice to have the support."
Scott Davis hopes to memorialize his daughter properly, soon. He eventually wants to build a foundation or scholarship in her name so everyone remembers his daughter for who she was – a person, like many, who did not deserve to die at the hands of her alleged abuser.
"She was just a really genuine spirit and a really kind soul that liked to try and help people," Scott Davis said. "I'm willing to do anything to make a positive impact."
The annual basis for the funding is roughly $30,000 to $35,000. City staff will look into where to find the money for the increase.
"That ability to potentially have a better lock or a security camera not only places the victim in a safer place, it makes them feel safer," Alter said. "It's hard to put a price tag on that."
Staff have until March 29 to report back to the Public Safety Committee with recommendations before it moves forward.