Justice & Safety

Domestic Violence

Domestic violence, specifically intimate partner crimes, are amongst the most serious and dangerous in our community. Intimate partner violence includes violence of a current or past dating partner or spouse and spans across age, gender, economic status and often includes threats and violence against animals.  

Our specially trained prosecutors, social workers and support staff handles cases involving intimate partner violence and animal cruelty, in addition to representing individuals seeking protective orders free-of-cost.  

Our mission is to end domestic violence by educating and empowering families with appropriate resolutions, service referrals, and safety measures and to seek justice on behalf of survivors, holding abusers accountable for their acts and preventing homicides.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • We are at 1201 Franklin on the second floor. Exit the elevator bank and take a left. At the end of the hallway, take a right into Victim Services.

  • We use a language service to communicate in almost any language, including American Sign Language. We have caseworkers who speak a variety of languages.

  • It can take years for some criminal cases to be completed. Please know that regardless of how long the process takes, your case is important to us and our team is here to assist you in any way we can.

  • You may call us at 713-274-1508 and our staff will connect you with the prosecutor assigned to your case.

  • In most cases the prosecutor in the case will present a sentencing offer, which could be prison time or probation. This decision is based on a full evaluation of the applicable laws and facts of the case, including the opinion of the victim or the guardian of the victim. If the defendant chooses to decline the State’s offer, then in some cases they can plea to be sentenced by a judge or exercise their right to a jury trial. If the case goes to trial and the defendant is found guilty by the jury, the defendant may choose to be sentenced by the judge or the jury.

  • To obtain a protective order, you will first meet with a specially trained domestic violence caseworker or social worker who will assist you with documenting a statement and preparing a file for review by a domestic violence prosecutor. Upon prosecutor approval, an application is filed in family court. You will then receive a letter regarding a court date. It is imperative to attend the court hearing in person or your case may be dismissed.

    You may view more information on how to obtain a protective order here.