Victim Services

Domestic Violence

Notice to Victims of Domestic Violence

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

Please tell the Officer if you have been injured or if you feel you are going to be in danger when the officer leaves or at a later time.

You have the right to:

  1. Ask the local prosecutor to file a criminal complaint against the person committing family violence.
  2. Apply to a court for a protective order (for a consultation please call a legal aid office, a District Attorney’s Office, or a private attorney’s office.) 

For example, the court can enter an order that:

  1. The abuser does not commit further acts of violence;
  2. The abuser does not threaten, harass, or contact you at home;
  3. Directs the abuser to leave your household; and 
  4. Directs the abuser not to interfere with the children's custody; 
  5. Apply for benefits under the Crime Victims Compensation Act

Protective Order

What is a Protective Order?

A Protective Order is a legal remedy for the use and protection of victims of Domestic Violence. 

  • Domestic Violence is defined as an assault against a family member, household member, or a current or past dating partner. Domestic violence can take different forms, including physical, psychological, financial, sexual, and emotional abuse. 
  • The definition of a family member is an individual related by blood or marriage (i.e. spouse, ex-spouse, parents, siblings, children). 
  • The definition of household member is a unit composed of people living together in the same dwelling, whether related to each other or not. 

How do I obtain a Protective Order?

You can obtain a protective order by filling out an application with the District Attorney’s Office. You can also obtain a Protective Order through a private attorney, as well as have the Protective Order stipulated in your divorce decree. 

You may also be able to obtain an Emergency Protective Order if the abuser is arrested. At the time of arraignment, the magistrate may grant an Emergency Protective Order (EPO) at the request of a peace officer or a victim, provided the abuser is still in custody. The EPO is good for up to 61 days; unless a deadly weapon is exhibited or used, then the EPO can be good for up to 91 days. If you want to apply for the EPO, let the arresting police officer know and they will explain to you the process. 

Will a Protective Order prevent family violence?

A Protective Order can deter violence and provides the police and courts with additional authority to intervene in Domestic Violence cases and punish those who commit Domestic Violence. It is not a shield or guarantee that the next domestic violence act will not occur. Most violent relationships escalate and become more violent over time. It is a good idea to safety plan with a Victim Advocate. Please ask the police officer for a referral to the Law Enforcement Victim Advocate and/or DV Agency. 

What is a healthy and unhealthy relationship?


Image of a Diagram

Image of a Diagram


To request a Protective Order please contact the following agency:

https://www.browncountytx.gov/page/brown.District.Attorney

Sexual Violence

Notice to Adult Victims of Sexual Assault


Article 56A.3515

  1. Obtain a forensic medical examination within 120 hours of the assault to collect potential evidence and receive preventative medications, even if you decide not to make a report to a law enforcement agency;
  2. Anonymously track or receive updates regarding the status and location of each item of evidence collected in your case; 
  3. Have a sexual assault program advocate present during a forensic medical examination;
  4. Have a sexual assault program advocate or other victim's representative present during an investigative interview with law enforcement;
  5. Ask the local prosecutor to file a criminal complaint against the person who assaulted you; and
  6. If a defendant is arrested for a crime against you involving certain sexual crimes, stalking, or trafficking:
    • Request an order for emergency protection to be issued by a magistrate; and
    • Apply to a court for a permanent order to protect you (you should consult a legal aid office, a prosecuting attorney, or a private attorney.)

For example, the court can enter an order that prohibits the person who assaulted you from:

  1. Committing further acts of violence;
  2. Threatening, harassing, or contacting you or a member of your family or household; and
  3. Going near your place of employment or near a childcare facility or school attended by you or a member of your family or household.

You cannot be charged a fee by a court in connection with filing, serving, or entering a protective order.

Please tell the Officer if you have been injured or if you feel you are going to be in danger when the officer leaves or at a later time.

If you have questions about the status of your case or need assistance, you may contact the Victim Advocate for the 35th Judicial District Attorney’s Office at (325) 646-0444.

If you would like to speak with someone in the Prosecuting Attorney’s Office, you may reach the Victims Assistance Coordinator located at: 200 S. Broadway, Brownwood, Texas 76801 or call (325) 646-0444.

Call the following Sexual Assault Program or Social Service Organization if you need assistance with an advocate: The ARK Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Shelter is located at: 2900 Coggin Ave, Brownwood, Texas 76801 or call them at (888) 313-2699.

You may receive a Sexual Assault Forensic Medical Examination at the following locations:

  • Hendrick Medical Center (Brownwood) - 1501 Burnett Rd, Brownwood, Texas 76801 | (325) 646-8541
  • Hendrick Medical Center (Abilene North) - 1900 Pine St, Abilene, Texas 79601 | (325) 670-2000

Domestic Violence Resource - The Ark

Outreach Services Provided by the ARK

 

The ARK provides services to all victims of domestic violence and/or sexual assault regardless of age (minor must be accompanied by guardian), race, religion, economic status or sexual orientation.

  • No fees or charges for any services provided by the ARK.
  • A 24-Hour Crisis Line is monitored, and the shelter is open on a 24-hour basis for all emergency help and shelter needs.
  • Safety planning training
  • Legal advocacy, including writing protective orders.
  • Sexual assault advocacy
  • Support groups
  • Assistance for clients to help them file for Texas Crime Victims Compensation.
  • Assistance in both short and long-term planning.
  • Collaboration with other agencies for job skills assistance and job placement.
  • Collaboration with the Housing Authority and referrals to other community agencies.
  • Assistance with other agencies for drug/alcohol issues.

24-Hour Crisis Line: (325) 643-2699 or (888) 313-2699

Victim Assistance Program Information is Provided Below:

  1. Victim Assistance Program.docx