Posted by Mary E. Ramos | Domestic Violence
Domestic violence rates tend to increase in times of uncertainty, and the coronavirus pandemic is no different. When domestic violence victims (both adult and children) are forced to shelter in place with their abusers, the violence escalates. Per the Houston Chronicle, reports of family assault in Houston increased 158% from February to March and that trend has continued as unemployment, school closures, and shelter-in-place mandates have forced Texans to remain in their homes.
The city of Houston and surrounding areas have launched several initiatives and partnerships to address the rising numbers of familial violence. A recently launched website, www.nocovidabuse.org, directs visitors to important crisis hotlines for both the local Houston Area Women’s Center Domestic Violence hotline as well as the National Domestic Violence Hotline.
The ride-sharing company Uber has announced it will provide free rides to victims of domestic violence or sex-trafficking to assist those who have no transportation and cannot leave their abusive home. Shelters such as the Houston Area’s Women Center are following CDC guidelines for social distancing and disease-spread. Leaving home during a pandemic is not an ideal situation, but agencies in the Houston area are there to help those in physical danger.
If unable to obtain private legal counsel, there are other organizations that can help those in abusive relationships:
- AVDA is a non-profit organization that provides legal representation and referrals for emergency shelter. They can be reached at (713) 224-9911 or at avda-tx.org.
- The Family Criminal Law Division of the Office of the District Attorney prosecutes domestic violence cases and pursues protective orders for victims.
- There are additional Houston-area resources for victims of domestic violence:
- Bay Area Turning Point (281) 286-2525, bayareaturningpoint.org
- Family Time Crisis and Counseling Center (281) 446-2615, www.familytimeccc.org
The legal team at the Ramos Law Group has experience in defending the victims of domestic violence. We have represented a multitude of domestic violence victims and take pride in standing up for the vulnerable in the Harris County area. No one deserves to be subjected to any sort of abuse – whether it be emotional, sexual, or physical – and the Ramos Law Group team is available to help those in any sort of abusive situation. We have the resources to help victims obtain protective orders in the Harris County protective order court. We also have experience defending those wrongfully accused of domestic violence or those served with retaliatory claims of familial violence.
We understand the situation victims of domestic violence are in and the uncertainty and fear that comes with it. We are here to help close this chapter of your life and find a new, safer beginning. Please call us today at (713) 225-6200.
Last Updated on May 21, 2020 by Mary E. Ramos
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