Domestic Violence

Navigating the legal system can be overwhelming for survivors of domestic violence. That’s why we have compiled a list of legal resources to help you understand your rights and options.

From information on obtaining a protective order to guidance on filing for divorce, our resources aim to empower you with the knowledge you need to seek safety and justice. We understand that each situation is unique, and we are here to support you every step of the way:

• Travis County Attorney’s Office, Family Violence Division
• Texas RioGrande Legal Aid (TRLA)
• Texas Advocacy Project (TAP)
• Travis County Law Library
• The University of Texas, Domestic Violence Clinic – Available seasonally during the academic year.
• Catholic Charities of Central Texas
• State Bar of Texas Lawyer Referral

Understanding your rights and options as an immigrant can be difficult, but it’s important to know that help is available. We have compiled resources specifically tailored to the needs of immigrant survivors. The organizations listed below can provide information on visa options, access to legal representation, and navigating the intersection of immigration and family law. No one should have to face domestic violence alone, and our goal is to provide the support and guidance you need to find safety and justice:

• American Gateways
• Catholic Charities of Central Texas
• RAICES
• Asian Family Support Services of Austin
• State Bar of Texas Lawyer Referral Service

Finding safe and stable housing can be a daunting task for survivors of domestic violence. That’s why we have gathered resources to assist with this critical need. From emergency shelters to long-term housing solutions, we aim to provide the support and information needed to secure a safe and secure place to call home.

Short-term Emergency Housing

• Safe Alliance
  • Call: (512) 267-SAFE (7233)
  • Text: (737) 888-7233

Affordable Housing

Finding affordable and safe housing can be a challenge for those affected by family violence. We have compiled a list of resources that can help you. We work closely with partner nonprofits and organizations to ensure that you have access to the most up-to-date and reliable information.

• The Affordable Housing Network
• Blackland Community Development Corporation
• Foundation Communities
• Housing Authority of the City of Austin
• Housing Authority of the City of Georgetown
• Pflugerville Affordable Housing
• Society of St. Vincent de Paul
• Waco Housing Search

Struggling to make rent or pay your utilities? Our partners offer a range of services to help you get the support you need. Whether you need help with rent or utilities, our partners are here to help you get back on your feet.

• Baptist Community Center
• Caritas of Austin
• St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church – Requires an Austin address.
• Austin Travis County Health and Human Services

Physical and emotional healing is a critical component of the journey towards recovery for survivors of domestic violence. In this subsection, we provide referrals for medical help, including information on accessing physical and mental health services, as well as resources for survivors who may have experienced trauma. Let us support you on your path to healing and well-being.

• ARCH Day Sleep: Available to all homeless, single, adult females, as well as single, adult men who meet set criteria. This criteria for men’s day sleep includes those who were turned away from ARCH Emergency Night Shelter the previous night due to lack of space, clients who work overnight hours, or those who have a medical need. Any client interested in Day Sleep should inquire with a shelter manager for more information and approval. Day Sleep is available 7:00 am - 2:30 pm daily. Any client participating must first take a shower and then must check in by 8:00 am.
• Central Health Medical Access Program (MAP): Covers primary care, prescriptions, specialty care, and hospital care for those who qualify. To get more information or find out if you qualify call the Central Health Customer Service at (512) 978-8130. For people experiencing homelessness only: walk-ins at 8 am and again at 1 pm at the Eligibility Office located on 6633 E Hwy 290, Suite 101, Austin, TX 78723 (Map).
• C. C. Doyle Free Healthcare Clinic: Covers primary care, prescriptions, specialty care, and hospital care for those who qualify. To get more information or find out if you qualify call the Central Health Customer Service at (512) 978-8130. For people experiencing homelessness only: walk-ins at 8 am and again at 1 pm at the Eligibility Office located on 6633 E Hwy 290, Suite 101, Austin, TX 78723 (Map).
• CommUnityCare Dental Health Services: Provides dental coverage to people who are MAP (Medical Assistance Program) and CommUnityCare card holders. Emergency and some other services are also available for self-pay patients of our CommUnityCare health center system who meet established income guidelines and have no other dental insurance benefits (sliding fee scale).
• Healthy Texas Women: State managed family planning program, cervical and breast cancer screenings. Go to website to apply and to find a doctor near you.
• Nurse Family Partnership: Free personal nurse during pregnancy for those who qualify. Women with a first child or are 28 weeks pregnant or less are prioritized.
• Texas Health Steps: Free medical and dental checkups for Medicaid qualifying people (but not for people enrolled in Women’s Health Program) from birth to age 20.
• The Source for Women: Non-profit specializing in pregnancy support, free ultrasounds, STI testing, and mentoring.
• True-Care Pregnancy Center: Support, education, and material aid for pregnant and parenting women.
• UT Wellness Center: Newborn and infant care, pediatrics, immunizations, annual health physicals, sports physicals, chronic disease management, family planning, minor procedures, STD screening, and laboratory services. Accepts insurance and non-insured (visits start at $65).
• Your Texas Benefits: State benefit programs help people with little or no money who are in need.

Counseling and therapy can play a crucial role in the healing process for survivors of domestic violence. In this section, we provide information on accessing these important resources to help you work through your experiences and regain control over your life.

• St. Michael’s Veteran Services: Supports active-duty service members, veterans and their dependents regardless of type of service or military discharge status.
• Austin Travis County Integral Care: Supports adults and children who experience depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, anxiety, substance abuse and intellectual and developmental disabilities.
• Catholic Charities of Central Texas: Provides high quality mental health services for children, adults, couples and families to help with life’s challenges. Counseling Services are offered in English and Spanish and are completely confidential.
• Central Texas Veteran’s Healthcare System: Provides primary health care for U.S. active military service members, military veterans with honorable discharge, and their spouses and dependents. Services include prescriptions, dental, surgical, mental health, and chemical dependency.
• Sandra Joy Anderson Community Health & Wellness Center: Provides Family Medicine including children, Mental Health, Women’s Health.
• NAMI Central Texas: Dedicated to improving the lives of all individuals affected by mental illness through education, support, and advocacy programs.

Surviving domestic violence with children adds an additional layer of complexity and concern. In this section, we provide resources specifically tailored to the needs of survivors with children, including information on child custody and support, resources for childcare and education, and support for navigating the challenges of co-parenting with an abusive partner. Let us support you in securing a safe and stable future for you and your children.

Childcare Services

The groups listed below offer information on childcare among many other resources for survivors of domestic violence with children.

• Child Care Aware: A national initiative to help parents find the best information on locating quality childcare and childcare resources in their community by connecting parent with the local agencies best equipped to serve their needs.
• Child, Inc.: Early childhood education program providing Head Start & Early Head Start services. Comprehensive child development programs serving low-income children from birth to age 5, pregnant women, and their families.
• Workforce Solutions – Capital Area: Offers such services as childcare referrals for low to moderate-income families, job training, placement, and more.

Childcare Services for Special Needs Children

• Any Baby Can: Support to families with children with special needs, classes, mentoring, in home therapists.
• Vela Families: Non-profit specializing in helping children with special needs. Courses, workshops, specialized childcare.

Child Custody & Child Support Services

The groups listed below offer information on childcare among many other resources for survivors of domestic violence with children.

• Office of the Attorney General (OAG) Child Support Division: Works closely with Texas employers, community organizations and other state agencies to serve Texas families.

Parenting Resources

• St. Gabriel’s Pregnancy & Parenting Program: Helps families to give their children a safe and healthy start at life through education, mentoring, and material assistance.