Domestic Violence

Domestic Violence Victims Have More Rights!

Know Them….

Typically a taboo subject to speak about but a reality that must be helped by exposure of the issues.  It is evident, with El Paso’s ripping growth, there too has been a sad growth in domestic violence crimes affecting many in our community. The Crime Victims Program of Texas instituted by the State Attorney General now stands ready to assist victims in need. The program is here in El Paso, Texas finally. Defined Here: The Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Chapter 56 defines a victim as:

“A person who is the victim of the offense of sexual assault, kidnapping, aggravated robbery, trafficking of persons, or injury to a child, elderly individual, or disabled individual or who has suffered personal injury or death as a result of the criminal conduct of another”.

The Office of the Attorney General serves victims of crime by administering the Crime Victims’ Compensation Program and victim service-related grants and contracts, in addition to offering training and outreach programs.

• The Crime Victims’ Compensation Program reimburses out-of-pocket expenses to victims of violent crime and their families. The Crime Victims’ Compensation Fund can help eligible victims pay for medical and counseling bills incurred because of the crime and help families cover the funeral cost for a loved one who has been killed.
• Grants and Contracts administered by the Office of the Attorney General help fund a broad range of victim-related services. Domestic violence shelters, rape crisis centers, hotlines, victim advocacy, education, assistance with CVC applications, and other victim-related services are available due to these grants and contracts.

Physical Injuries to a person are now covered if deemed caused in a commission of a crime noted above.

Who May Qualify (TCCP, Art.56.32.)

• An innocent victim of crime who suffers physical and/or emotional harm or death
• an authorized individual acting on behalf of a victim
• a person who legally assumes the obligations or voluntarily pays certain expenses related to the crime on behalf of the victim
• a dependent of a victim
• an immediate family member or household members related by blood or marriage who require psychiatric care or counseling as a result of the crime
• an intervenor who goes to the aid of the victim or a peace officer
• a peace officer, firefighter, or individual whose employment includes the duty of protecting the public

What Crimes Are Covered (TCCP, Art.56.32.(4))

Crimes involving “criminally injurious conduct,” defined as conduct that occurs or is attempted, pose a substantial threat of personal injury or death and is, or would be, punishable by fine, imprisonment, or death. This includes sex offenses, kidnapping, aggravated robbery, assaultive offenses, arson, homicide, and other violent crimes in which the victim suffers physical or emotional harm or death.

The following motor-vehicle-related crimes are also covered:

• Failure to Stop and Render Aid**
  
• DWI **
  
• Manslaughter
  
• Criminally Negligent Homicide
  
• Aggravated Assault **
  
• Intoxication Manslaughter
  
• Intoxication Assault **

** Treatments Covered

Check Out Our Sister Site: HOW TO STOP DOMESTIC ABUSE?

Love is Respect

Victims of a crime, as defined above, now have treatment options available to them and their family members.

Qualification for the program has been made available for immediate access.