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Austin's Victim Assistance Center Stays Open: Healing Resources Available Now

Update Staying Open for Healing: Austin’s Victim Assistance Center In the wake of the recent shooting incident on W. 6th Street, the City of Austin has decided to keep its in-person Victim Assistance Center (VAC) open for an extended period, specifically on Thursday, March 5, from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. This move is part of an ongoing effort to support those deeply affected by the tragedy that unfolded just days prior, offering essential mental health support, crisis counseling, and various resources aimed at promoting recovery for victims and their families. A Strong Community Response As noted by Austin Police Chief Lisa Davis, traumatic events leave lasting impacts on individuals, families, and communities, both visible and invisible. This is why the VAC opened its doors quickly following the incident, providing immediate assistance to those present during the shooting. Located at 1520 Rutherford Lane, the center is a hub for crucial support services, including behavioral and mental health services, spiritual care, therapy animals, and help with reclaiming personal items left at the crime scene. Long-Term Support Beyond Thursday While the VAC will close after Thursday, the services available will not just end. The community is urged to recognize that healing from such traumatic events can be a long and winding road. To that end, the FBI’s San Antonio Division has launched a Virtual Family Assistance Center, where victims can access a comprehensive list of mental health resources and assistance programs, ensuring that support continues long after the initial crisis has passed. VictimConnect is another resource, offering 24/7 assistance tailored to help victims navigate the complexities of recovery. Encouraging Outreach and Engagement A vital message from the VAC is that community members should actively encourage those impacted—whether they were injured, present but unharmed, or closely connected to victims—to seek the support available through both the VAC and the FBI's resources. Those unsure about where to begin can call APD Victim Services at 512-974-5037, which operates around the clock, providing guidance and connection to pertinent resources. Building Resilience through Education In light of the recent events, the importance of awareness and education becomes increasingly evident. Understanding the effects of trauma and how to cope can empower individuals in the Austin community to respond effectively to such crises. Resources such as the Disaster Distress Helpline, available 24/7, can offer crucial support, particularly for those who may feel overwhelmed by their emotions in the aftermath of the incident. Creating a Supportive Environment As residents engage with their community and participate in healing processes, there’s a collective opportunity to foster resilience. Community initiatives promoting mental health awareness and programs designed to offer support during crises are essential. The emotional toll of events like the one that occurred on W. 6th Street often underscores the necessity of accessible mental health support to help residents cope and recover. Local Resources Highlighted Various organizations and services provided by local governmental and non-profit entities have mobilized resources in response to this tragedy. For example, the Austin Emergency Management and APD Victim Services have joined forces with the FBI to ensure a cohesive support network. This collaboration enhances the reach and effectiveness of assistance, ensuring that community members in need can easily access vital help. Join the Call for Healing As Austin moves forward, participation in community discussions around trauma recovery and mental health is essential. Residents are encouraged to share information about resources, actively support their neighbors, and contribute to a healing environment. Every individual’s efforts can make a profound difference in helping those affected by the shooting—and prevent future tragedies from occurring. Take Action Now If you or someone you know has been affected by the shooting and needs support, please reach out to the Victim Assistance Center. For more information, visit FBI.gov/San-Antonio-vfac or contact local mental health services. By encouraging connections to these resources, we can work together as a community to foster healing and recovery.