Tom Green County

Sheriff's Office, Crisis Intervention Unit

3005 North Chadbourne, San Angelo, Texas

(Next Door to the North Branch Library)

(325) 658-3921

                         

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Family Violence Survivor Info

Safety Planning and Red Flags

 

What is a Crisis?

 

Family Violence

Sexual Assault

Date Rape Drugs

History of Family Violence

Contacts in the Community

 

 

 

Judicial Records Search

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Definition of "Family Violence"

"Family Violence" is defined in the Texas Family Code (Section 71.004) as:

An act by a member of a family or household against another member of the family or household that is intended to result in physical harm, bodily injury, assault or sexual assault or that is a threat that reasonably places the member in fear of imminent physical harm, bodily injury, assault or sexual assault, but does not include defensive measures to protect oneself.
 

 

THINGS TO GATHER UP

Money, your checkbook, credit cards, ATM cards
Identification--driver's license, Social Security card, passport, green card, public assistance ID, work permit, etc.

Important papers such as your order of protection; divorce papers; school records; lease, rental agreement, or house deed; and insurance papers (If you have an order of protection, keep it with you at all times.)
Birth certificates--yours and your children's
Clothing
House, car, and work keys.
Medications
Jewelry / saleable objects
Address book
Toys

Identify which door, window, stairwell or elevator offers the quickest way out of the home, and practice your route.  If you are in danger or your children are in danger:

Plan ahead for a quick escape.

1. Pack extra clothes and leave them with someone you trust.

2. Keep extra items in a safe place: (i.e. car keys, money, important papers -- birth certificate, social security number, financial papers.

3. Plan where you will go and how you will get there.

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The CCP requires that the responding officer provide victims with the following notice:

 

NOTICE TO ADULT VICTIMS OF FAMILY VIOLENCE

It is a crime for any person to cause you any physical injury or harm EVEN IF THAT PERSON IS A MEMBER OR FORMER MEMBER OF YOUR FAMILY OR HOUSEHOLD.


Please tell the investigating peace officer:

IF you, your child, or any other household resident has been injured; or

IF you feel you are going to be in danger when the officer leaves or later.

You have the right to:

ASK the local prosecutor to file a criminal complaint against the person committing family violence; and

APPLY to a court for an order to protect you (you should consult a legal aid office, a prosecuting attorney, or a private attorney). If a family or household member assaults you and is arrested, you may request that a magistrate's order for emergency protection be issued. Please inform the investigating officer if you want an order for emergency protection. You need not be present when the order is issued. You cannot be charged a fee by a court in connection with filing, serving, or entering a protective order. For example, the court can enter an order that:

(1) the abuser not commit further acts of violence;
(2) the abuser not threaten, harass, or contact you at home;
(3) directs the abuser to leave your household; and
(4) establishes temporary custody of the children and directs the abuser not to interfere with the children or any property.

A VIOLATION OF CERTAIN PROVISIONS OF COURT-ORDERED PROTECTION (such as (1) and (2) above) MAY BE A FELONY.


CALL THE FOLLOWING VIOLENCE SHELTERS OR SOCIAL ORGANIZATIONS IF YOU NEED PROTECTION:

CONTACTS

Added by Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 583, eff. Sept. 1, 1985. Amended by Acts 1991, 72nd Leg., ch. 366, eff. Sept. 1, 1991; Subsec. (c) amended by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 1024, eff. Sept. 1, 1995; Subsec. (a) amended by Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 1193, eff. Sept. 1, 1997; Subsec. (c) amended by Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 610, eff. Sept. 1, 1997.

  
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My Silent Plea

All alone and frightened on the inside,

I say everything's fine, but have plenty to hide

Battered and bruised, but can't tell a soul,

I want out so bad, but he's got control.

Using threats and manipulation to keep me there.

Brainwashing me to think no one would care.

Robbed of my pride and feeling only shame,

He says it's my fault, so I shoulder the blame.

I'm so isolated from my family and friends,

If I ask for their help, he'll bring harm to them.

My heart is breaking, I need help so bad,

Yet I remain silent, lonely and sad.

No one understands the situation anyway,

Fear for my life is why I stay.

You'll never understand 'til you walk in my shoes,

So please don't condemn and say, "How can you...?"

I feel disgraced by your knowing looks,

We're women you know, your neighbors, or mothers

I want respect and love, just like you,

I'm tired of all the threats and abuse.

I feel so helpless, with no where to turn,

For protection and safety, I constantly yearn.

I want to live a life of my own,

Desperately wanting my plight to be known.

I hide the bruises behind make-up and smiles,

Hoping you'll notice, all the while.

Look past the smile, to my lifeless eyes,

Please notice the silence and the reason I'm shy.

Look at the way I limp when I walk,

realize I won't look at you when I talk,

My movements may be awkward and slow,

I say I fell, but it's from last night's blows.

For every injury, I"ll give an excuse,

But please don't turn away and say it's no use.

Notice he won't let me out of his sight,

Giving me no chance to reveal my plight.

Don't confuse his "doting" for love and affection.

Please see it as control, and give me protection.

I'm crying out the only way I now how,

Please reach out to me and help me now.

I long for your trust and the words, "It's okay"

Please reach out to me and show me a way.

To put an end to the fear and pain,

To get back my pride and self-worth again.

I'm desperately needing compassion and help,

I feel there's no one to rely on, only myself.

My frightened cries are longing to be heard,

Please look at the signs, my unspoken words.

Just open your eyes, all the signs are there,

And see my silent pleas for someone to care.

For if you ignore my problem and wait,

"One Day" for me, may be just "one Day" too late.

 

--Written by Penelope House client, a "Survivor because someone cared."

 

  
 

Art. 56.02. Crime victims' rights
Texas Code of Criminal Procedure



(a) A victim, guardian of a victim, or close relative of a deceased victim is entitled to the following rights within the criminal justice system:


(1) the right to receive from law enforcement agencies adequate protection from harm and threats of harm arising from cooperation with prosecution efforts;


(2) the right to have the magistrate take the safety of the victim or his family into consideration as an element in fixing the amount of bail for the accused;


(3) the right, if requested, to be informed of relevant court proceedings and to be informed if those court proceedings have been canceled or rescheduled prior to the event;


(4) the right to be informed, when requested, by a peace officer concerning the defendant's right to bail and the procedures in criminal investigations and by the district attorney's office concerning the general procedures in the criminal justice system, including general procedures in guilty plea negotiations and arrangements, restitution, and the appeals and parole process;


(5) the right to provide pertinent information to a probation department conducting a presentencing investigation concerning the impact of the offense on the victim and his family by testimony, written statement, or any other manner prior to any sentencing of the offender;


(6) the right to receive information regarding compensation to victims of crime as provided by Subchapter B, Chapter 56, including information related to the costs that may be compensated under that Act and the amount of compensation, eligibility for compensation, and procedures for application for compensation under that Act, the payment for a medical examination under Article 56.06 of this code for a victim of a sexual assault, and when requested, to referral to available social service agencies that may offer additional assistance;


(7) the right to be informed, upon request, of parole procedures, to participate in the parole process, to be notified, if requested, of parole proceedings concerning a defendant in the victim's case, to provide to the Board of Pardons and Paroles for inclusion in the defendant's file information to be considered by the board prior to the parole of any defendant convicted of any crime subject to this Act, and to be notified, if requested, of the defendant's release;


(8) the right to be provided with a waiting area, separate or secure from other witnesses, including the offender and relatives of the offender, before testifying in any proceeding concerning the offender; if a separate waiting area is not available, other safeguards should be taken to minimize the victim's contact with the offender and the offender's relatives and witnesses, before and during court proceedings;


(9) the right to prompt return of any property of the victim that is held by a law enforcement agency or the attorney for the state as evidence when the property is no longer required for that purpose;


(10) the right to have the attorney for the state notify the employer of the victim, if requested, of the necessity of the victim's cooperation and testimony in a proceeding that may necessitate the absence of the victim from work for good cause; and


(11) the right to counseling, on request, regarding acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection and testing for acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS), human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection, antibodies to HIV, or infection with any other probable causative agent of AIDS, if the offense is an offense under Section 21.11(a)(1), 22.011, or 22.021, Penal Code.


(b) A victim is entitled to the right to be present at all public court proceedings related to the offense, subject to the approval of the judge in the case.


(c) The office of the attorney representing the state, and the sheriff, police, and other law enforcement agencies shall ensure to the extent practicable that a victim, guardian of a victim, or close relative of a deceased victim is afforded the rights granted by Subsection (a) of this article and, on request, an explanation of those rights.


(d) A judge, attorney for the state, peace officer, or law enforcement agency is not liable for a failure or inability to provide a right enumerated in this article. The failure or inability of any person to provide a right or service enumerated in this article may not be used by a defendant in a criminal case as a ground for appeal, a ground to set aside the conviction or sentence, or a ground in a habeas corpus petition. A victim, guardian of a victim, or close relative of a deceased victim does not have standing to participate as a party in a criminal proceeding or to contest the disposition of any charge.

 

Added by Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 588, § 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1985. Subsec. (a) amended by Acts 1987, 70th Leg., ch. 433, § 1, eff. Aug. 31, 1987; Subsecs. (a), (c) amended by Acts 1987, 70th Leg., ch. 929, § 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1987; Subsec. (c) amended by Acts 1989, 71st Leg., ch. 996, § 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1989; Subsecs. (a), (d) amended by Acts 1991, 72nd Leg., ch. 202, § 3, eff. Sept. 1, 1991; Subsec. (a) amended by Acts 1993, 73rd Leg., ch. 811, § 3, eff. Sept. 1, 1993; Subsec. (a)(6) amended by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 76, § 5.95(108), eff. Sept. 1, 1995.

 

  
 

 

*Does your partner shove, hit, shake or slap you?

*Does your partner make light of the abuse, insist that it didn't happen, or shift the responsibility for his abusive behavior, blaming you for it?

*Does your partner continually put you down, call you
names, or humiliate you?

*Does your partner intimidate you through looks or actions, destroy your property, or display weapons?

*Does your partner control what you do, who you see and talk to, and where you go, limiting your involvement outside the relationship?

*Are you made to feel guilty about the children, or has your partner threatened to take the children away?


Emergency Shelter for Victims of family violence:

ICD FAMILY SHELTER
655-5774
(800)749-8631

 

 
 
 
Web Address: www.CiuCares.com Send mail to rita.guthrie@co.tom-green.tx.us C.I.U. Coordinator
Send mail to valerie.tillery@gte.net with questions, updates or comments about this web site.
Copyright © 2003-2017 Tom Green County Crisis Intervention Unit, San Angelo, Texas
Last modified: December 17, 2017