Legal Advocacy
What is legal advocacy?
Legal advocates provide a link between survivors and the legal system making them aware of their rights, options, and resources.
Legal advocates and volunteers help survivors:
Tips for Effective Legal Assistance
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 other services.
Crime Victims Compensation
Victim of crimes such as assault, sexual assault, kidnapping, robbery, vehicular crime, manslaughter, etc. 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 Family Abuse Center (FAC), DA, Victim’s Services or call
1.800.983.9933) and mail to
Office of the Attorney General, Crime Victim’s Compensation (011)
P.O. Box 12198
Austin, TX 78711-2198
Protective Orders
Protective Orders provide additional protection, making it illegal for your abuser to assault you, harass you, or contact you in person, phone, or email. Protective Orders can cover children or additional household members and are valid in every state and country no matter where it was issued.
Address Confidentiality Program
The new Address Confidentiality Program allows victims of family violence, sexual assault, or stalking to keep their home address secret. They are instead issued a PO Box to which all mail is forwarded and which serves as their legal address for most entities.
Victim Information and Notification Everyday (VINE)
Victims can register with VINE when their abuser is in custody. VINE alerts you when there is a change in status, for example if the offender is about to be arraigned, if the offender bails out of jail, if the offender has a probation hearing, or any other event. This provides you the opportunity to secure safety.
Emergency 911 Cell Phones
FAC 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.
For more information about Protective Orders, legal representation in divorce and custody disputes and other resources, call:
| Family Abuse Center, Inc
For McLennan County Residents: Ana Chatham For Bosque, Falls, Freestone, Hill, Limestone, and Navarro Residents: Linda Morris | 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 |
Can You Volunteer?
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.
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