Amid the outbreak of the coronavirus and the numerous stay-at-home orders issued by state, county, and city officials, there has been a dangerous and unfortunate rise in the number of domestic and family violence cases. According to a recent article in the Houston Chronicle, Harris County saw a 158 percent increase in the number of aggravated family assault reports. Deputies from the Harris County Sheriff’s Office responded to a staggering 1,588 reports during the month of March, while the City of Houston reported an 8.72 percent increase in the number of domestic violence calls. In a press release issued on April 22, 2020, the City of Houston announced a partnership with the Houston Area Women’s Center (HAWC) and the Harris County Domestic Violence Coordinating Council (HCDVCC) in an effort to stem the tide of domestic violence and get the word out that there is help for these victims even during this global health crisis. As part of this initiative, ride-hailing company Uber has also announced a $50,000 grant, which will help provide rides to victims of human trafficking and family violence.
Part of this initiative rolled out by the City includes the creation of a social media campaign, #noCOVIDabuse, by HAWC and HCDVCC with safety tips, hotline numbers, and videos featuring players from MLS’s Houston Dash; a new website, nocovidabuse.org; a partnership with the Houston Food Bank and H-E-B for the printing and distribution of flyers about domestic violence; and the consideration of short-term hotel lodging for victims because of the need for social distancing.
The website, nocovidabuse.org, has information about crisis hotlines; tips for planning safety at home; a list of resources and referrals including crisis centers and shelters, counseling centers, legal aid groups, and important law enforecment numbers; and links to the websites of all community partners.
For victims living in southeast Harris County, help is also available through the Victim Assistance - Domestic Violence Unit of Harris County Constable Precinct 7. In cooperation with the Family Criminal Law Division of the Harris County District Attorney’s Office, Precinct 7 has instituted a protective order pilot program in which a case worker from the district attorney’s office assists with completing applications for protective orders each Tuesday. Harris County Constable Precinct 4 in northwest Harris County also has a Domestic Violence Unit, which investigates cases of domestic violence.
The following additional resources may also be of help to victims of domestic violence.
AVDA: Aid to Victims of Domestic Abuse, based in Houston, providing free legal aid in Austin, Fort Bend, Grimes, Harris, Waller, and Washington counties.
TexasLawHelp.org: Protection from Violence or Abuse / Protective Orders
COVID-19 Family Violence FAQs from Legal Aid of Northwest Texas
The most important thing for thing for victims of domestic violence to realize is that they are not alone and that help is available, especially now.
