If you or someone you know is in an abusive situation in DFW, here are the real resources. No judgment, just information.
Immediate help:
- National DV Hotline: 1-800-799-7233 (24/7, multilingual)
- Genesis Women's Shelter (Dallas): 214-946-HELP (4357) — shelter, counseling, legal assistance
- SafeHaven of Tarrant County: 1-877-701-SAFE (7233) — shelter, 24/7 hotline
- The Family Place (Dallas): 214-941-1991 — emergency shelter, counseling, legal
- Denton County Friends of the Family: 940-382-7273
Legal protections in Texas:
- Protective Order: Under Texas Family Code Chapter 85, you can petition the court for a protective order. The abuser is ordered to stay away from you, your home, your workplace, and your children's school.
- Magistrate's Order of Emergency Protection (MOEP): Issued automatically at the time of arrest for family violence. Lasts 31-91 days.
- Filing is free. Texas Family Code 81.002 waives all fees for protective orders in DV cases.
How to get a protective order:
- Go to Dallas County Family Court (George Allen Sr. Courts Building) or Tarrant County Family Court
- No attorney required (but organizations above provide free legal help)
- Temporary order can be issued same day
- Full hearing within 14 days
Safety planning:
- Keep important documents (ID, birth certificates, medications) in a go-bag
- Have a code word with a trusted friend or family member
- The National DV Hotline can help create a personalized safety plan
Sources:
- Texas Family Code Chapters 81-88 — Protective Orders
- Genesis Women's Shelter — genesisshelter.org
- SafeHaven of Tarrant County — safehaventc.org
- The Family Place — familyplace.org
- National Domestic Violence Hotline — thehotline.org
You don't have to stay. Help exists. It's free.