The Harris County Constable Precinct 7 Domestic Violence Program offers assistance to victims of domestic abuse by responding to their emotional and physical needs and by providing them with safety and security. In addition, the Precinct 7 Domestic Violence Deputies are dedicated to helping victims find stability in their lives after victimization and by assisting them in understanding and maneuvering the criminal justice system.
Harris County Precinct 7 Domestic Violence Program
The effects of domestic violence have a devastating impact on all involved. Victims are robbed of their fundamental right to maintain control over their own lives. They live in constant fear and complete isolation in the one place they should always feel safe, at home. Domestic violence can happen to anyone of any race, age, sexual orientation, religion, or gender. It can happen to couples who are married, living together, or who are dating. Domestic violence affects people of all socioeconomic backgrounds and education levels.
We are committed to assisting victims by:
- Providing victims assistance by filing temporary restraining orders, injunctions, and other protective orders.
- Accompanying victims/survivors to court when needed.
- Aiding battered victims and their children in developing a safety plan.
- Assisting and referring victims/survivors to the Precinct 7 Compensation Program for compensation application and processing.
- Providing medical advocacy for victims as needed.
- Assisting victims/survivors in obtaining emergency services (e.g. food, shelter, clothing, etc.)
- Coordinating with other area law enforcement agencies and Social Services agencies to make and receive referrals on the victims' behalf.
- Conducting Crisis Counseling and related activities.
- Performing anti-domestic violence education seminars at schools and community events.
- Identifying, documenting, and monitoring domestic violence victims to determine if re-victimization has occurred and determine if additional services are needed to help stabilize the life of the victims/survivors
The Harris County Precinct 7 Domestic Violence Program offers assistance to victims of domestic abuse, also referred to as intimate partner violence, by responding to their emotional and physical needs and by providing them with safety and security. If you are being abused physically, sexually, or emotionally by an intimate partner or family member and are ready to break free from the cycle of violence call and talk to one of our domestic violence deputies at 713-274-3519. If you see or hear violence in progress call 911 or the Precinct 7 24-hour Dispatch at 713-643-6602.
Protective Order Pilot Program
The Precinct 7 Victim’s Assistance Unit introduced their Protective Order Pilot Program, a collaboration with the Family Criminal Law Division of the Harris County District Attorney’s Office on March 13, 2018. Since the inception of the program, a caseworker from the DA’s Office has been working non-stop to assist victims by completing Protective Order Applications each Tuesday at the Precinct 7 Main Office. Domestic Violence Deputies schedule appointments for individuals who live within the Precinct 7 jurisdiction to file Protective Orders or who need more information regarding the process. The phone number is 713-274-3537. The caseworker will then meet with family violence victims who qualify for Protective Orders or provide safety information and referrals to those who do not each Tuesday. There is no cost involved in filing a Protective Order.
Protective Order Program Objective:
The caseworker’s objective is to meet with at least three (3) individuals each Tuesday at Precinct 7. However, completing a Protective Order Application for one (1) victim can take two (2) hours or more. Therefore, to expedite this process, deputies with the Pct. 7 Crime Victim’s Assistance Unit will first determine if individuals qualify for the program. However, applicants always have the option to call the DA’s Office directly to request an appointment at their current location (temporary), 2221 West Loop South Ste. 101 Houston, TX 77027. The phone number is 713-274-0212.
What are the requirements for a Final Protective Order?
To receive a Final Protective Order, the petitioner must show, “Family violence has occurred and is likely to occur in the future”.*
*TX Family Code Ch.85.001
If the applicant is a survivor of sexual assault, the court must find reasonable grounds to believe that he/she is “The Subject of a Threat that reasonably places the applicant in fear of further harm from the alleged offender”.*
*TX Code of Criminal Procedure Art.7A.03
What is a Magistrate’s Order for Emergency Protection (MOEP)?
A MOEP is a court order issued at a "defendant's appearance before a magistrate after arrest for an offense involving family violence"* and is meant to stop the abuser from engaging in abusive, threatening, or harassing behavior, and from contacting the victim in any way. It is intended to protect the victim from further abuse or violence.
*Art.17.292.
What are the requirements to receive a Magistrate’s Order for Emergency Protection?
To receive a MOEP, the perpetrator must have been arrested for an offense involving family violence, stalking, or sexual assault. A MOEP can be requested by the victim of the offense, the guardian of the victim, a peace officer, OR an attorney representing the state. The Magistrate must issue an order if the charge involves “serious bodily injury (SBI)” or “use or exhibition of a deadly weapon”.*
*TX Code of Criminal Procedure Art.17.292.
Gun Laws and Protective Orders
It is a crime for an abuser to have a firearm if an active protective order is in effect.* It is also a federal crime to possess firearms or ammunition is subject to a “qualifying protection order”.** There is an exception for peace officers working as sworn, full-time paid employees of state agencies or political subdivisions.
* TX Family Code Ch.85.026
** 18 U.S.C. Ch.922(g)(8))
* Texas Family Code Ch. 83.007
*Harris County Precinct 7 does not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, disability, and age.