Harris County Precinct 7 Domestic Violence Program
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. The Precinct 7 Criminal Investigations Division investigates all Domestic Violence crimes.
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.
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
*Harris County Precinct 7 does not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, disability, and age.