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What is legal advocacy?

FamilyAbuseCenter Legal Advocates provide a link between survivors and the legal system, making them aware of their rights, options, and resources. The legal advocates and volunteers help survivors prepare for court, apply for Crime Victim’s Compensation and protective orders, and help victims build their case.

 

Why do survivors of abuse need our help?

According to the Texas Council on Family Violence, there were 187,811 incidents of family violence in Texas in 2005. The survivors, mostly women and children, have been abused, neglected, and/or abandoned by their abuser. Many must leave their homes and start over, often to keep their children safe. Most are unaware of the benefits provided by the government to protect their families and give them a jumpstart on a new life.

 

Information for the victim
 
He is threatening me, what can I do

Record it, store it, listen to it, keep it, save it, and report it. Don’t throw your evidence away. Keep voicemail, text messages, letters, notes, and e mail messages. Document all incidents. If the victim reports everything, it leaves a documented trail that can be useful in divorce and/or custody suits, help in CPS investigations, help with protective orders and assistance for other services.

 

FAC gives emergency cell phones

The Family Abuse Center gives emergency cell phones with 911 capabilities only. These cell phones can not be traced. It is important to remember to always keep the phone charged, and when using, the victim should give their name and location first, then the situation.

 

Protective Orders

Did you know that protective orders are valid in every state no matter where it was issued

Free Service for Protective Order Assistance

Family Abuse Center, Inc
254-772-8999
Legal Advocate
P.O. Box 20395
Waco, TX
Waco Family Violence Srvs
254-750-1745
Legal Advocate
801 Washington Ave Ste 502
Waco, TX
District Attorney’s Office
254-757-5084
219 N. 6th St
Waco, TX
Lone Star Legal Aid
254-756-7944
900 Austin, 7th F1.
Waco, TX
 
Crime Victims Compensation

Victim of crimes such as, assault, sexual assault, kidnapping, robbery, vehicular crime, manslaughter and other crimes can be eligible for crime victim’s compensation. This assists the victim with relocation, counseling, medical, dental, rental, child care and other things. To apply fill out an application(available at FAC, DA, Victim’s Services or call 1-800-983-9933) and mail to Office of the Attorney General, Crime Victims’ Compensation(011) P.O. Box 12198, Austin TX 78711-2198.

Divorce and Custody Suits
Free Services

Family Abuse Center, Inc
254-772-8999
Legal Advocate
P.O. Box 20395
Waco, TX
Lone Star Legal Aid
254-756-7944
900 Austin, F1.
Waco, TX
Tues/Thur. 1:30-4:00
The Legal Assistance Project
254-757-3401
1007 Jefferson Avenue
Waco, TX
MWF 10:00-4:00
Texas Advocacy Project
1-800-777-3247
 

 

Can You Volunteer?

The FAC is seeking mature, responsible adults who care about domestic violence and the families it affects. We need volunteers with a wide variety of skills, interests, and ideas from all occupations, ethnicities, and backgrounds.

The legal advocates will use any amount of time you are able to commit to volunteering. The work is hard, but also gratifying. Family Abuse Center Legal advocates will provide any training needed, as well as stay in contact about tasks and cases.

 

What do volunteers do?

  • Assist in issuing 911 cell phones
  • Provide referrals for medical, counseling, mental health, legal, educational, and financial agencies
  • Assist in applying for Crime Victim’s Compensation benefits and filing for protective orders
  • Provide court accompaniment
  • Create and maintain brochures about domestic violence
  • Organize community training and provide those training materials
  • Offer telephone support
  • Assist in relocating and applying for rental benefits
  • Assist in obtaining records for U-Visa and VAWA
  • Maintain monthly statistical records
  • Create new forms and documents pertaining to clients

 For more information about the Legal Advocacy program or to request our services, call Alicia Collier at 254-750-1745 or email legaladvocate1@ familyabusecenter.org