New Houston area Domestic Violence Enforcement Program to Launch in September 2008

Posted on July 27, 2008 by Shannon Cavers

Thanks to a 3 year $850,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Justice, the Houston Police Department Family Violence Unit and Houston Area Women's Center will receive additional support in identifying and assisting victims of domestic violence. The Harris County District Attorney's Office Family Criminal Law Division will provide training to HPD officers, dispatchers, and others who work in the HPD Domestic Violence Unit. The goal is to assist officers identify people who are eligible for protective orders and to fund protective order clinics at several locations around Houston where domestic violence victims may start the process of obtaining a protective order.

A Harris County resident who has been a victim of domestic violence can obtain a free protective order through the DA's Family Criminal Law Division, but the DA will not get involved if there is a divorce suit pending.

Tags: , , , ,

Texas Self-Help Protective Orders

Posted on May 24, 2007 by Shannon Cavers

Unfortunately, family violence is a reality in our society. It afflicts men, women, and children regardless of age, race, and socio-economic status. Often victims are too afraid or ashamed to ask for help. I encourage persons who are victims of domestic violence to seek help as soon as possible. 

Often the abuser controls financial resources, so the victim feels helpless to seek assistance. In that vein, I direct persons to the Texas on-line protective order kit. 

Tags: , , , ,