“Domestic violence is an evil that threatens the social fabric of our Nation. It is a widespread attack on the most sacred and intimate of institutions — the American family.” — Proclamation on National Domestic Violence Awareness Month, 2020
October is National Domestic Violence Awareness Month, a time set aside to educate, support, and stand up against this pervasive wrong that continues to plague our society, and which has sadly increased during a time when the world is consumed by the continuing effects of the global pandemic that has upended our lives. It is a reminder that the vulnerable still need to be protected and kept safe from harm.
If you need immediate assistance, please call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 800-799-SAFE (7233).
To help those who have been a victim of domestic violence or know someone that has, our librarians at the Harris County Law Library have compiled a list of resources and organizations that may be able to assist:
National Domestic Violence Hotline - Available 24/7, the National Domestic Violence Hotline provides much-needed support to survivors of domestic violence through its telephone hotline or its live chat line. You can find information to help you recognize the common signs of abuse and tips for creating a safety plan. The information and resources available on the Hotline’s website are not limited to victims of family violence. There is also useful information for those who are witnesses to domestic violence and abuse and how to provide much-needed support.
Texas Advocacy Project - Through free legal services, access to the justice system, and education and prevention, the Texas Advocacy Project seeks to break the cycle of violence and offer survivors an opportunity to live free from fear of abuse. The Texas Advocacy Project offers virtual legal clinics that can help with a wide range of family law issues, assistance with emergency protective orders, and two toll-free legal help lines.
AVDA (Aid to Victims of Domestic Abuse) - Located here in Houston, AVDA has been serving survivors of domestic abuse by providing free legal representation and counseling for 40 years. Programs include victim advocacy, legal advocacy, counseling, and its Battering Intervention and Prevention Program. You can also find a downloadable domestic violence safety plan and a list of local organizations that provide much-needed assistance, such as shelters and organizations that provide employment, rent/utilities, and emergency and support services.
Texas Health and Human Services Commission - Through its Family Violence Program, the Commission provides survivors with supportive services, such as temporary 24-hour shelters, a 24-hour hotline, legal assistance, emergency transportation, assistance in obtaining medical care, and training and help finding employment.
Attorney General of Texas - The Office of the Attorney General of Texas offers assistance to victims of family violence through several different initiatives such as the Crime Victims’ Compensation Program, the Address Confidentiality Program, the Statewide Automated Victim Notification System, and child support help. Survivors of family violence can also have their names removed from public files and records relating to the offense by completing the Pseudonym Form for Victims of Family Violence.
DomesticShelters.org - DomesticShelters.org has created a list of domestic violence services that are available in cities throughout Texas. Resources range from emergency services to community education services. Simply click on a city near you to see which services are available in your area.