Domestic Violence
What is Family Violence?
Family violence is when one family or household member physically harms or emotionally abuses another family or household member. A spouse or a partner, a man or a woman can experience family violence. Family members, such as children who witness family violence, are also considered victims. Family violence can take different forms such as:
Physical abuse (hitting or using a weapon).
Sexual abuse (rape or any unwanted sexual contact).
Emotional abuse (threats or humiliation).
Financial abuse (controlling a person’s money without their permission).
Dating violence is when someone is violent or abusive toward their romantic or intimate partner. This type of abuse can happen to youth and adults. Dating violence can also take many forms, such as emotional and verbal abuse, physical abuse and sexual abuse.
Services for Survivors of Family Violence
Shelters provide temporary housing and services for male and female adults and children who have experienced family violence. Non-residential support centers provide the same services, but do not have emergency shelter. Services are free. There are no income eligibility requirements.
Supportive services include:
Temporary 24-hour shelter: State-funded centers provide short-term emergency residence for survivors of family violence 24 hours a day, every day of the year.
24-hour hotline: 800-799-SAFE (7233) A telephone number answered 24 hours a day, every day of the year, by trained volunteers and employees who provide survivors of family violence with:
Immediate intervention through safety planning.
Understanding and support.
Information about shelter center services.
Referrals to other service providers.
Legal assistance: Services to help people understand and learn about:
Legal options, rights and advocacy.
Available support and court accompaniment.
Assistance in obtaining medical care.
Emergency transportation.
Training for and help seeking employment.
Community education.
Other services.
Find Help
Find a Family Violence Program Center
https://www.hhs.texas.gov/services/safety/family-violence-program
Know the Red Flags
Some consequences in life are obvious. Run out of bounds, get a penalty. Drive 40 mph in a school zone, get a ticket. Relationships aren’t that clear, but they do have their own consequences. Dismiss degrading words and actions by saying, “he’s not that way all the time,” “she’s just insecure,” “you know I didn’t mean to hurt you,” or “but he really loves me,” and they almost always get worse over time. Dating violence doesn’t start with a slap. And even if things never escalate beyond control and verbal abuse, the consequence is still serious – a loss of freedom, respect, happiness, and even safety. Things we all deserve.
You may need to raise a red flag if you see or suspect that one person in a relationship…
Has gotten the other to the point where they’re “not quite themselves” anymore.
Makes the other person constantly question their actions or personality.
Calls or text messages the other person excessively.
Monitors the other person by screening their call logs, phone bills or e-mails.
Is always showing up unannounced at the person’s home, work or hangouts.
Tells the other what to do, what to wear or how to act.
Embarrasses the other in public or private through insults or degrading comments.
Acts jealous a lot and frequently accuses the other person of things (cheating, flirting, etc.).
Keeps the other person from doing the things they enjoy in life.
Doesn’t ever want the other person to spend any free time with family and friends.
Controls how the other spends money.
Uses money as a tool to keep the other person from doing things – or to make them do things.
Shows or hints at an explosive temper.
Physically harms the other person, or threatens to.
Forces the other person to do something sexual, even if it’s something the couple has done before.
Threatens to harm themselves if the other person leaves the relationship.