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COUNSELING/MENTAL HEALTH

Is Your Partner Abusing You

Notice to Adult Victims of Domestic Violence

It is a crime for any person to intentionally cause you any harm, even if that person is a member of your household.  It is important that you tell an Officer if you, or your child, or any other household resident have been injured, or if you feel you, or your child, or any other household resident have been injured, or if you feel you are going to be in danger after the Officer leaves.

What Should You Do First?

1. Obtain an Emergency Protective Order:  This order can be requested through the arresting officer or by calling the Municipal Court at 225-9573.  If an arrest is not made, call the detective assigned to the case.  This order is valid for 31 days.
2. Call VINE (1-877-TX4-VINE ) to register for free, anonymous, computer-based program that provides victims of crime two important services: Information and notification
3. Call the County Attorney’s Office (854-9498) to set up an appointment to get to a Protective Order.  A Protective order must be issued directly to the offender.  It orders him/her to stay away from you and your family, to stop any communication, direct or through others, that is threatening or harassing and to stop omitting violence against you. This order is valid for 1 year.  For questions or concerns regarding an existing Protective Order call 854-4163.
4. Call the Family Protection Team (974-8535) for detectives, crisis counseling, children’s services and legal information.
5. Call *Safe Place (267-SAFE) for shelter, crisis counseling, support groups, and children’s services.
6. Make a safety plan.