We know health, economic, and natural crises can add to the pressures facing survivors of domestic violence. People who are surviving violence in their relationships and families may be experiencing increased isolation and danger due to the current outbreak of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19). We understand the stress on parents in abusive relationships now that most schools are closed, and the children are at home, often with both parents.
If you or someone you know is experiencing abuse, remember that you are not alone, and there is help available to you at all times, including this health crisis. Please see the list of resources below. If you live in Austin, Fort Bend, Grimes, Harris, Waller, or Washington counties and are in need of free legal representation for protective orders, divorce, child support/custody, or adoption in the case of parent fatality, call AVDA at 713-224-9911.
At AVDA, the safety of victims of domestic violence is our greatest priority, and keeping our staff healthy and safe to respond to those needs is of paramount concern to us. In response to the Coronavirus pandemic, AVDA has discontinued meeting with survivors without appointments. We ask that clients with appointments reschedule if they are not well.
AVDA’s offices are sanitized, and employees who are not well or at risk are required to work from home. We are committed to working together to contain this pandemic while providing the very best care for our clients.
Helpful National Resources:
- The National Domestic Violence Hotline is 24/7, confidential and free: 1-800-799-7233 and through chat.
- The National Sexual Assault Hotline is 24/7, confidential and free: 800.656.HOPE (4673) and through chat.
- The StrongHearts Native Helpline for domestic/sexual violence is available 7 a.m. – 10 p.m. CT, confidential, and specifically for Native communities: 1−844-762-8483.
- The Trans LifeLine for peer support for trans folks 9 a.m. – 3 a.m. CT: 877-565-8860. This hotline is staffed exclusively by trans operators and is the only crisis line with a policy against non-consensual active rescue.
- National Parent Helpline Monday –Friday, 10 a.m. – 7 p.m. PST. This hotline provides emotional support and advocacy for parents: 1-855-427-2736.
Helpful Local Resources:
- United Way 211 Helpline: Dial 211
- Harris County Public Health (HCPH) This number is staffed from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. every day: 832-927-7575
- For City of Houston Residents: Houston Health Department: This number is staffed from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday-Friday and 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. on Saturday: 832-393-4220
- For Fort Bend County Residents: Fort Bend County Health & Human Services: This number is staffed Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.: 281-633-7795
- Harris Health System: Ask-My-Nurse: Answered from 9 a.m. – 7 p.m. every day for clinical-related questions only: 713-634-1110
