Family Violence Unit

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FAMILY VIOLENCE UNIT CONTACTS

Local Resources

1. Waco P. D. Family Violence Detectives: ---------------------------750-8608
2. McLennan Co. D.A.: ------------------------------------------------------ 757-5084
3. Domestic Violence Counseling: ---------------------------------------745-6000
4. Family Abuse Center, Inc.: -------------------------------------- 772-8999 or 1-800-283-8401

INVESTIGATIONS

Officers in the WPD Family Violence Unit investigate family violence related offenses. Family violence is an act by a member of a family or household against another member of the family or household that is intended to result in physical harm, bodily injury, assault, or sexual assault, as well as threats that reasonably place the member in fear of these acts.

Family members include individuals related by blood or marriage, former spouses, parents of the same child, and foster children as well as their foster parents.

Family violence also includes persons who have or have had a dating relationship that commit the above listed acts or threats. Family violence does not include defensive measures to protect oneself.

FAMILY VIOLENCE STATISTICS

(Source: Texas Council on Family Violence)

Each year millions of women, children, and an increasing number of men are physically and/or emotionally abused by someone they love. You or someone you know may be a victim or have been affected by family violence. Victims of family violence often feel they have no one to turn to.

The WPD Family Services Unit (FSU) assists persons who have been victims of family violence and related offenses. The WPD FSU is a collaboration of the Family Abuse Center and the Waco Police Dept. The program started in 1996 with the idea that cooperation between police officers and counselors makes effective service available to victims of family violence.

COUNSELING SERVICES

Feelings of depression, hopelessness, helplessness, guilt, confusion, anger, and a sense of low self-esteem can all be symptoms caused by family violence. Many people feel that things will work themselves out, and they do not need any outside intervention.

Unfortunately, without outside intervention, family violence tends to occur more frequently with more severe consequences. Not only does family violence have long lasting affects on victims, but it also affects the family and friends of the victim.

Counseling can be a significant intervention tool in assisting victims of family violence with low self-esteem, guilt, depression, and other issues. Counselors at WPD FSU provide free and confidential services including:

DOMESTIC VIOLENCE
What to Expect When the Police Respond

If you believe you are the victim of an abusive relationship or domestic violence, then call the police and allow us to assist you the victim. As the responding officers are in route to your address remember that they are there to help you and your children. Below is but a few of the issues that the officers will address and what you can expect.

When the Police Arrive:

The Officer Will:

The Officer Can Assist in:

Other helpful web sites:

Texas Council on Family Violence: http://www.tcfv.org
National Criminal Justice Reference Service: http://www.ncjrs.org/family_violence/summary.html
National Coalition Against Domestic Violence: http://www.ncadv.org
National Domestic Violence Hotline: http://www.ndvh.org

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