Who qualifies for CVAC services?

The Crime Victim Assistance Center provides services to both primary (actual victim) and secondary (affected friends/family of victim)  victims of domestic/family violence and sexual assault, without regard to age, gender, race, color, religion, disability.

 

What about my privacy? This is a small community.

All CVAC staff, volunteers, and clients sign a strict confidentiality policy. This prohibits discussing the client, case, or identifying details without written permission from the client. The exceptions are mandatory reporting cases. CVAC takes great care to maintain privacy within the office by keeping clients files locked and secure. In addition, we attempt to uphold our client's dignity by utilizing a different office space for each client.

 

I don't live in Eastland or Stephens Counties. Can you still help me?

CVAC typically works solely within our service area, since it is this legal, judicial, medical, and civic landscape we are most familiar with. Texas Association Against Sexual Assault and Texas Council on Family Violence both provide listings of available crisis centers in Texas, and we would recommend contacting your local center first. However, if it is determined to not be in the best interest of the client to receive services from that center, we can provide services.

Additional resources and information for victim services may be obtained from the Office of the Texas Attorney General.

 

I have been the victim of a sexual assault. I don't want to press criminal charges. What do I do now?

If you are in a safe place, you need to seek medical attention. This does not mean that charges will be filed, unless it is a mandatory reporting situation (e.g. child abuse, elder abuse, abuse at the hands of a caregiver).  Seeking medical attention can not only preserve evidence, it can also identify any other potential health threats-disease, pregnancy, internal injuries, etc. Also counseling can be helpful in coping and moving beyond this crime.  You do not have to press charges to qualify for our services.

 

My child has made an outcry of abuse. Whom should I tell?

We recommend contacting your local police department and/or Child Protective Services as soon as possible.  Depending on their age and time lapsed since the abuse occurred, the child will be interviewed by a trained forensic interviewer and may possibly have a sexual assault exam to preserve any possible evidence.  Remember: The less times your child tells their "story", the better it is, so you will need to act quickly. All adults are required to report SUSPECTED abuse to the proper authorities within a timely manner.  CPS can be contacted at 1-800-252-5400 or www.txabusehotline.org .

 

I am in a domestic violence situation. I want to leave, but I am scared for myself and my children. What resources are available?

The domestic violence victim has access to many local, state, and national resources ranging from safety measures, financial waivers, assistance and accompaniment through the legal and medical processes, and counseling.  CVAC staff and volunteers are able to identify, secure, and offer many of these services for our clients. If you can not reach one of our offices, we are able to meet at another more convenient, secure location (police station, hospital, etc).

 

My abuser and I are not married. We are dating/living together. Does that constitute domestic violence?

Yes. It is all under the umbrella of "Family Violence". Intimate partner violence (or domestic violence) is defined as  violence occurring between two people in a "long-term, intimate relationship". This includes violence that occurs when the couple is not married, but have a romantic, intimate relationship. This distinction is important, because domestic violence victims have access to greater security and legal measures than regular assault victims. In addition violence between family members who are not married or intimate can result in a victim qualifying for assistance.

 

I have a close friend/coworker/relative who is an abusive situation. What can I do to help?

Assuming the victim is an adult, there is no concrete textbook answer on what to say or do to get them out of the situation.  That does not mean it is hopeless. Offering support and empathy has proven helpful in the past. It might be beneficial to learn all you can about that type of abuse, especially from the victim point of view. as well as available resources. You can contact our centers to receive more personalized information and tips on how to offer assistance.  If the victim is a child, the abuse NEEDS to be reported as soon as possible to the proper authorities- police department or Child Protective Services.

 

Questions about Services