‘Men as Allies’: Program receives statewide award for domestic violence awareness

AUSTIN (KXAN) — A domestic violence awareness group in Travis County received a statewide award Monday.

Men as Allies was presented the award during the Travis County Commissioners Court meeting. It’s one of nine Texas counties to receive the “Best Practices” honor from the Texas Association of Counties.

Men as Allies is made up of Precinct 5 employees who go around to schools and jails to educate people on healthy relationships.

It was founded in 2019 by Precinct 5 Constable Carlos Lopez. Lopez said they’ve given dozens of presentations.

On top of education, they provide care kits, money and other resources to domestic violence families, Lopez said. Men as Allies also collaborates with other organizations like the Travis County High Risk Family Violence division and the Travis County Attorney’s Office.

“The whole concept is that men be allies instead of adversaries,” Lopez said. “In order for us to make a social change in domestic violence, you have to start with the young people.”

The group also serves protective orders.

The “Best Practices” award evaluates submissions based on programs being able to be replicated in other counties as well.

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