* 125 West Main St. Suite L-41 *
* Fredericksburg, TX 78624-3700 *
* Phone 830-990-0675 * Fax 830-992-2615 *

Victim Assistance
The Victim Assistance Coordinator’s duty is to ensure that a victim, guardian of a victim, or close relative of a deceased victim is afforded the rights granted victims, guardians, and relatives by Article 56.02 of the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure (Crime Victim’s Rights).  The VAC works with law enforcement and can help victims locate resources they may require. The Texas Attorney General’s website is a great source of information, and several links are included below. Some local victim support resources are also available and links are provided. Please contact our office if you need any assistance or have questions about the resources that may be available.
Local Victim Support Links

Hill Country Community Needs Council

Provides bilingual domestic violence counseling and support services, and other services for the community including financial assistance, counseling, transportation and more.

1904 North Llano Street, Fredericksburg
Office: (830) 997-9756



Hill Country Cares

Provides counseling, safe house, advocacy, public education, and intervention programs.

Office: (830) 257-7088

Kerrville Hot Line: (830) 257-2400 or Toll Free (888) 621-0047

 

 

MADD-(Mothers Against Drunk Driving) Victim Services

Provides assistance and support to DWI victims and survivors.

San Antonio Office
(888) 686-6233   (210)349-0200   fax (210)349-9204

Frequently Asked Questions
What is domestic or dating violence?

Domestic Violence can be threats, harassment, verbal abuse, assaults and other physical violence between members of a family or household. For relief, contact local law enforcement and the Victim Assistance Coordinator.

Dating Violence can be threats, harassment, verbal abuse, assaults and other physical violence in a dating relationship even if you are no longer dating the person threatening you. For relief, contact local law enforcement and the Victim Assistance Coordinator.

What is a protective order?

The law provides that in very particular situations, a family or household member may be removed from the home and denied contact with household members for the protection of others in the household. If the removed person returns to the home or contacts household members in violation of a protective order, he or she may be arrested by law enforcement and charged with Violation of Protective Order. There is no cost to the applicant for protective orders. Costs of court may be assessed against the Respondent. 

What is a restraining order?

A restraining order varies from a protective order in that a violation will result in civil contempt of court proceedings instead of arrest. The County Attorney's Office does not provide restraining orders. Contact a trusted attorney or the Bar Association for a referral. 

How do I protect myself?

To protect yourself, use common sense. Try not to put yourself in harm's way if you can avoid a confrontation. The best protection is to walk away before a confrontation begins. If possible, use the buddy system and have a friend with you.

Also, be aware of the following Penal Code laws in place for the protection of the public. Violation of these laws should be reported to law enforcement immediately. The officer will make a report, and in some cases, may obtain a warrant for the arrest of the perpetrator.

Assault By threat or Physical Contact: Class C assault is by threat or physical contact without bodily injury. This is punishable by a fine only with no jail time. Report this offense to a law enforcement agency.

Assault With Bodily Injury: For Class A assault with bodily injury, the injury may be the sensation of pain, a bruise or reddening of the skin. This offense will be filed in the County Court. Life threatening assaults or an assault involving a weapon may be filed in the District Court. Report these offenses to a law enforcement agency as soon as possible so that evidence may be gathered--photographs, medical records, and witness statements.

Threats: Terroristic Threat is a severe threat which causes a person to be in immediate fear of imminent serious bodily injury. Lesser threats do not apply here. If you receive a serious threat, take immediate precautions to protect yourself and dial 9-1-1 for emergency assistance.

Stalking: Keep a detailed log to document all harassment. In your log, note the date, time, activity and any witness to the act. Stalking occurs when a person severely harasses another by following, abusing, calling or writing with intent to intimidate and control another. If you believe the person may be parked on your street, it is suggested you contact law enforcement to report the suspicious vehicle. They will investigate and most likely the person will tire of law enforcement scrutiny. Submit your detailed log of harassment activity to your law enforcement agency. Seek further relief by contacting Victim Services.

Develop a Safety Plan
 
Protective orders cannot take the place of common sense. It is wise for a person who suffers regular abuse to develop a safety plan. Take a moment now to gather together emergency clothing for you and your children, extra car keys, and emergency cash. Be sure to put them in a safe location--perhaps with a trusted friend. Additional guidelines for a safety plan are provided by WomensLaw.org.

Victim Assistance Coordinator
Meg Burdick

Phone: (830) 990-0675
Fax: (830) 992-2615
Office Hours
Monday-Friday 8:00am-5:00pm
Closed for Lunch 12:00pm-1:00pm

PROTECTIVE ORDERS
Must Meet the Following Requirements

• Physical violence has occurred in the past; and
• Physical violence will more than likely occur in the future; and
• Applicant is a victim of physical violence or stalking and the abuser is a member of applicant’s household or family (including dating relationships) or victim has been sexually assaulted by abuser; and
• Criminal charges have been filed by a prosecutor*; and
• Applicant and abuser have not filed for divorce*.
 
*Cases not meeting these criteria may still need review by the Victim Assistance Coordinator

If your case meets these criteria
Download and complete a
 Protective Order Kit
And schedule an appointment to speak to one of the attorney's in our office.

If the above criteria are not fully met, then the victim may seek a
RESTRAINING ORDER
 through his or her own attorney.

The victim may also file a Protective Order Pro Se by downloading a protective order kit off of the Attorney General’s Website and following the directions.