Family violence and dating violence are critical issues affecting individuals and families across communities. Recognizing the urgent need for intervention and support, the Family Violence Program in Texas stands as a vital resource. This program is dedicated to fostering safety, promoting self-sufficiency, and ensuring long-term independence for adults and children who are survivors of family violence and dating violence. Operating through a comprehensive network of trauma-informed service providers, the program delivers essential services such as emergency shelter, supportive care, public education, professional training, and preventative measures to organizations throughout Texas.
Crucially, all services offered by the Family Violence Program are provided completely free of charge, and eligibility is not determined by income verification, ensuring accessibility for all who need assistance.
Understanding Family and Dating Violence: Recognizing the Forms of Abuse
It is essential to understand what constitutes family violence and dating violence to recognize and address these issues effectively.
Family violence is defined as harmful behavior perpetrated by one family or household member against another. This abuse can manifest in various forms, affecting any member of the family unit, regardless of gender. Children who witness violence within their family are also considered victims, highlighting the widespread impact of domestic abuse. Family violence can include:
- Physical Abuse: Involves physical harm such as hitting, slapping, kicking, or the use of weapons.
- Sexual Abuse: Encompasses rape, sexual assault, and any form of unwanted sexual contact or coercion.
- Emotional Abuse: Includes verbal attacks, threats, intimidation, humiliation, and constant criticism that undermines self-esteem.
- Financial Abuse: Occurs when one person controls another’s access to money, resources, or financial independence without their consent, often used as a tool for control and manipulation.
Dating violence, on the other hand, refers to violent or abusive behavior within a romantic or intimate relationship. This form of abuse can affect both young individuals and adults and encompasses a range of harmful actions, mirroring the types of abuse seen in family violence. Dating violence can include emotional, verbal, physical, and sexual abuse, all of which are serious and require intervention.
Comprehensive Services for Survivors: Accessing Care and Support
The Family Violence Program provides a range of supportive services designed to meet the immediate and long-term needs of survivors. These services are accessible through shelters and non-residential support centers across Texas, ensuring that help is available regardless of living situation. All services are free and available to anyone in need, without income restrictions, emphasizing the program’s commitment to accessible care.
Key supportive services include:
- Temporary 24-Hour Shelter: State-funded shelters offer immediate, short-term housing for individuals and families fleeing violence. These shelters operate 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, providing a safe haven for survivors in crisis. This immediate care is critical for those escaping dangerous situations.
- 24-Hour Hotline: 800-799-SAFE (7233): A crucial resource, the 24-hour hotline connects survivors with trained volunteers and staff who offer immediate crisis intervention. Services provided include:
- Safety Planning: Assisting individuals in developing strategies to protect themselves and their children from further harm.
- Emotional Support and Understanding: Providing a compassionate and non-judgmental space for survivors to share their experiences and receive emotional support.
- Information on Shelter Services: Offering detailed information about accessing emergency shelter and related services.
- Referrals to Additional Services: Connecting survivors with legal aid, healthcare providers, employment assistance, and other community resources.
- Legal Assistance: Navigating the legal system can be daunting for survivors. The program provides assistance to understand legal rights and options, offering:
- Legal Advocacy: Support and advocacy to ensure survivors’ rights are protected within the legal system.
- Court Accompaniment: Providing emotional and practical support by accompanying survivors to court hearings and appointments.
- Medical Care Assistance: Connecting survivors with necessary medical services to address injuries and health concerns resulting from violence.
- Emergency Transportation: Providing transportation assistance to ensure survivors can safely reach shelters, medical appointments, or other essential services.
- Employment Training and Assistance: Supporting survivors in achieving financial independence through job training, job search assistance, and employment-related support.
- Community Education: Raising public awareness about family violence and dating violence to foster prevention and encourage community support for survivors.
- Other Supportive Services: Addressing the diverse needs of survivors with individualized support and resources as required.
Finding Help: Connect with Care Family Domestic Violence Programs
If you or someone you know is experiencing family violence or dating violence, accessing help is crucial.
Shelters and Support Service Centers
For a comprehensive directory of shelters and support services across Texas, please visit the Family Violence Program Resources page. This resource provides detailed information on locations and services available in your area, ensuring you can find local Care Family Domestic Violence Program assistance.
Contact for Immediate Support
For immediate help and crisis intervention, reach out to the National Domestic Violence Hotline:
- Call: 800-799-SAFE (7233) or TDD 800-787-3224
- Text: “START” to 88788
- Chat: thehotline.org
The National Domestic Violence Hotline operates 24/7, staffed by trained advocates who are prepared to provide crisis intervention, safety planning, education, and referrals to local shelters and resources throughout Texas. This national service is a vital access point to care family domestic violence programs.
In case of an emergency requiring immediate police assistance, always call 9-1-1.
Please note: The HHSC Family Violence Program itself does not offer direct services or immediate crisis response to victims of domestic violence. Their role is to administer and oversee the network of care family domestic violence programs across the state.
For general inquiries or further information about the program, you can email the HHSC Family Violence Program. Staff aim to respond to inquiries within two business days.
Filing a Complaint Regarding Services
If you wish to file a complaint against an HHS-contracted family violence center, please contact the HHS Office of the Ombudsman at 877-787-8999. Select your preferred language and then Option 3. You can also submit a complaint online through the HHS Ombudsman website.
This program is fully or partially funded by the federal government. The information provided here does not necessarily reflect the official views or endorsement of the U.S. government.
