Family Violence Protection Team

APD and the Austin/Travis County Family Violence Protection Team
(512) 974-8535 MISSIONThe Family Violence Protection Team (FVPT) is a collaborative, community response to family violence that provides multiple services at one location. We improve access to law enforcement, counseling, crisis management and legal services for survivors of family violence and their children. We hope to increase batterer accountability, empower survivors to lead violence-free lives and lead the community's zero tolerance policy toward family violence. THE TEAM Texas law views family violence as a serious danger and a threat to society. Assaults and threats to members of a person's family or household are considered family violence. A "member of a family or household" includes people who formerly lived together as defined by state law. Travis County is fortunate to have a solid network of public and non-profit organizations that deal with domestic violence. In 1996, the Austin Police Department applied for a "Grant to Encourage Arrest Policies" through the US Department of Justice, Violence Against Women Grants Office. As a result of the grant award, the Department began to assemble the Family Violence Protection Team in May 1997. The following agencies make up the team:

• The Austin Police Department
• The Travis County Sheriff's Office
• SafePlace (formerly the Center for Battered Women and Rape Crisis Center)
• Legal Aid of Central Texas
• Women's Advocacy Project
• The Travis County Attorney's Office

The team has three components: investigative, legal, and social services.

1. Investigative Services: At the FVPT, the Austin Police Department and Travis County Sheriff's Office primarily investigate cases of family violence assault, kidnapping, stalking, and protective order violations.
2. Legal Services: The Travis County Attorney's Office, Legal Aid of Central Texas, and the Women's Advocacy Project provide legal services to the team. Working together, these agencies have streamlined the process for obtaining emergency or long-term protective orders. Assistant County Attorneys prosecute the majority of cases against offenders. If the crime committed is a felony, the District Attorney's Office will prosecute the case.
3. Social Services: SafePlace, the Austin Police Department and Travis County Sheriff's Department Victim Services counselors represent the social services side of the team. Victim Services counselors are the first point of contact for survivors who come to the FVPT office. This allows the victim to get her or his needs assessed immediately. SafePlace offers crisis and long-term counseling and referrals, emergency shelter, and transitional housing. Children of clients accessing services at FVPT can also receive free counseling from the Austin Child Guidance Center.

LINKS TO PARTNER AGENCIES

Travis County Sheriff's Office
Emergency calls: 911
Non-emergency calls: (512) 4267-SAFE SafePlace (formerly the Center for Battered Women/Austin Rape Crisis Center)
24 Hour Domestic Violence Hotline: (512) 928-9070 (Voice/TDD)
Resource Center: (512) 385-5181 Women's Advocacy Project
Family Violence Legal Hotline: (512) 476-5770
Administrative Office: (512) 476-5377 Travis County Attorney's Office
Receptionist: (512) 473-9415 Legal Aid of Central Texas
Administrative Office: (512) 447-7707
TDD: (512) 441-9478 Lifeworks
Administrative Office: (512) 327-8018

HOW TO CONTACT THE FVPT

In an emergency, always dial 911 and an officer will be dispatched to assist you. For non-emergencies, you can reach team members at (512) 974-8535, Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. You may contact us by email at Family Violence