Family violence is a serious issue impacting countless families, and the Care Family Domestic Violence Program stands as a crucial resource, offering safety, support, and pathways to independence for adults and children affected by family and dating violence. Operating through a network of trauma-informed professionals across Texas, this program provides vital emergency shelter and a range of supportive services, all completely free of charge and without income verification requirements.
Understanding Family Violence and Dating Violence
It’s essential to understand what constitutes family violence. It occurs when a family or household member inflicts physical harm or emotional abuse upon another. This can affect anyone – spouses, partners, men, women, and even children who witness violence within the family are considered victims. Family violence manifests in various forms:
- Physical Abuse: Acts of hitting, striking, or using weapons to cause harm.
- Sexual Abuse: Rape or any form of unwanted sexual contact or coercion.
- Emotional Abuse: Threats, intimidation, humiliation, and constant belittling.
- Financial Abuse: Controlling someone’s finances without their consent, limiting access to money as a means of control.
Dating violence mirrors family violence but occurs within romantic or intimate relationships. It affects both young people and adults and encompasses emotional, verbal, physical, and sexual abuse. Recognizing these forms of abuse is the first step towards seeking help from a care family domestic violence program.
Comprehensive Services for Survivors
The Care Family Domestic Violence Program offers a wide array of services designed to support survivors on their journey to safety and recovery. These services are available through shelters and non-residential support centers, all provided free of charge with no income-based eligibility requirements:
- Temporary 24-Hour Shelter: State-funded shelters provide immediate, short-term housing for survivors of family violence, operating around the clock, every day of the year. This offers a safe haven for individuals and families escaping dangerous situations.
- 24-Hour Hotline: 800-799-SAFE (7233): This crucial hotline is staffed 24/7 by trained volunteers and employees who offer:
- Immediate Intervention and Safety Planning: Helping survivors create plans to ensure their immediate safety and escape violent situations.
- Understanding and Support: Providing empathetic listening and emotional support during a crisis.
- Information about Shelter Services: Offering details about available shelter locations and services provided.
- Referrals to Other Service Providers: Connecting survivors with additional resources and support networks.
- Legal Assistance: Navigating the legal system can be daunting. This service offers support in understanding:
- Legal Rights and Options: Explaining legal protections available to survivors.
- Advocacy and Court Accompaniment: Providing support and guidance throughout legal processes.
- Medical Care Assistance: Facilitating access to necessary medical attention and healthcare services.
- Emergency Transportation: Providing safe transportation to shelters or other safe locations when needed.
- Employment Training and Assistance: Empowering survivors to achieve financial independence through job training and employment support.
- Community Education: Raising awareness about family violence within the community to foster prevention and support.
- Other Support Services: Addressing diverse needs to aid in the recovery and rebuilding process.
Finding Help and Resources
If you or someone you know is experiencing family violence, immediate help is available. The Care Family Domestic Violence Program resources can be accessed through:
Shelters and Support Centers
For a comprehensive directory of shelters and support services offered by the Care Family Domestic Violence Program, please Visit the Family Violence Program Resources page. This page provides detailed information and locations to access help near you.
National Domestic Violence Hotline
For immediate assistance and crisis intervention, contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline:
- Call: 800-799-SAFE (7233)
- TDD: 800-787-3224
- Text: “START” to 88788
- Chat: thehotline.org
Trained advocates are available 24/7 to provide crisis support, safety planning, education, advocacy, and referrals to local shelters and resources, ensuring that help is always just a call, text, or chat away.
Emergency Situations
In case of an emergency requiring immediate police assistance, always call 9-1-1.
Program Contact
For general inquiries about the Care Family Domestic Violence Program (please note they do not provide direct services or crisis response), you can email the HHSC Family Violence Program at [email protected]. Staff aim to respond within two business days.
Filing a Complaint
To file a complaint against an HHS-contracted family violence center, please contact the HHS Office of the Ombudsman at 877-787-8999 (select language, then Option 3) or submit online at make an online submission here.
The Care Family Domestic Violence Program is committed to providing essential care and support to families affected by violence, empowering survivors to rebuild their lives and achieve long-term independence. Remember, you are not alone, and help is readily available.
