Sadly, some divorcing couples have had a history of inflicting physical harm upon one or both of the parties. The courts will not tolerate family violence.

The court can enter a protective order that prohibits one person from committing family violence against another. The protective order usually goes so far as to prohibit one person from even going near the other person's residence or place of employment. A copy of the protective order is given to the police. The "protected party" cannot waive the requirements of a protective order. 

VIOLATION OF A PROTECTIVE ORDER IS PUNISHABLE BY A FINE OF UP TO $4,000 OR CONFINEMENT IN JAIL FOR UP TO ONE YEAR, OR BOTH.  FURTHERMORE, IT IS UNLAWFUL FOR ANY PERSON WHO IS SUBJECT TO A PROTECTIVE ORDER TO POSSESS A FIREARM OR AMMUNITION.

If you have been involved in family violence, either as a victim or as the abuser, please seek professional counseling. Professional counseling can help break the cycle of violence. 

Numbers for some Houston Area Domestic Violence Shelters/Assistance programs follow:

• A complete telephone listing of Family violence Centers in Texas

• Women's Center of Brazoria County                         Toll Free : (800)243-5788

• Houston Area Women's Center                                     Phone:  (713) 528-6798    

• Women's Resource & Crisis Center of Galveston County   Hotline/Crisis: (409) 765-7233

• AVDA (Aid to Victims of Domestic Abuse)        Hotline/Crisis: (713) 224-9911

• Family Services of Greater Houston                               Phone: (713) 861-4849

• The Bridge Over Troubled Waters, Inc.             Hotline/Crisis: (713) 473-2801

• Fort Bend County Women's Center                   Hotline/Crisis: (281) 342-4357

• Houston Police Department Victim Services Unit    Information (713) 308-0080 Crisis 911
  

(This document is considered "advertising" under Supreme Court Rule 3:07.)