The Harris County Sheriff’s Office firmly stands with domestic violence victims and survivors, providing them with unwavering support. Yesterday morning, myself and the Harris County Sheriff’s Office joined AVDA (Aid to Victims of Domestic Abuse) and other community partners to advocate for every person’s right to feel safe.
The Sheriff’s Office has worked with AVDA since 2008 by referring victims to this trusted partner agency. We recognize the seriousness and harmful impact of domestic violence and prioritize the safety and well-being of those affected.
In 2021, 204 Texans were killed due to domestic violence. The greatest number of lives lost were from Harris County — 46. Seven of the 46 were males. In 2022, HCSO had 13,159 total domestic violence calls. To date, in 2023, HCSO has responded to 8,565 domestic violence calls.
According to the Houston Area Women’s Center (HAWC), 1 in 4 women and 1 in 10 men will experience domestic or sexual violence in their lifetime. We know it’s often a hidden threat in our community, lurking behind closed doors.
Our deputies are entrusted by our community to protect them. We take very seriously our duty to help those who are being hurt by someone who is supposed to love them. We are committed to enforcing the law and holding perpetrators accountable for their actions, providing a safe environment for all.
We collaborate closely with local organizations, support services, and shelters to offer victims access to resources that can aid their recovery and empower them to rebuild their lives. Our goal is to break the cycle of domestic violence and foster a community where everyone feels safe and respected.
The Sheriff’s Office pledges to continue working tirelessly to ensure the safety and well-being of domestic violence victims and survivors. We encourage anyone who may be experiencing domestic violence or knows someone who is to reach out to us, as we are here to help and support you through this difficult time. Together, we can make a difference
Below are some resources for residents who are either in a domestic violence situation or want to report a domestic violence situation:
- If you are in immediate danger, call or text 911.
- National Domestic Violence Hotline: Call 1-800-799-7233 or if you’re unable to speak safely, you can text 88788.
- Houston Area’s Women Center’s 24/7 Hotlines:
- Domestic Violence Hotline: 713-528-2121
- Toll Free Line: 800-256-0551
- Rape Crisis Hotline: 713-528-7273
- Click here to learn more about HAWC’s services
- Harris County Sheriff’s Office Crime Victims Unit: 713-274-9369
We stand together with domestic violence victims, survivors, and the many organizations in our region whose mission is to end domestic and sexual violence for all.
Donation Drive to Support Victims of Domestic Violence
The Harris County Sheriff’s Office is accepting donations benefiting local non-profit organizations to assist domestic violence and sexual assault victims. Starting October 2 through October 27, you can drop off donations at four drop-off locations.
Building a Stronger Community
Every year hundreds of residents from across our country come together to spend an evening with their neighbors in honor of National Night Out. They host block parties, festivals, and other fun activities to build bonds with each other and the police and deputies patrolling and protecting their community.
We look forward to coming together again for National Night Out festivities next Tuesday, October 3, 2023, and celebrating the true meaning of this tradition – community. We want to take a moment to celebrate our communities, the feelings of connectivity fostered by them, and what it means to be a good neighbor.
It’s an evening the Sheriff’s Office looks forward to every year because we get to meet our community. We love serving and strengthening our relationships in the community through personal connections.
Now more than ever, a strong support system is vital. You and your neighbors are the backbone of a safer, more caring community. Please join us on October 3, 2023, and plan to go out and meet your neighbors.
HCSO In The News
Houston Public Media: Detention officers are getting a 12% pay increase to improve understaffing in the Harris County Jail
“Detention officers inside the Harris County Jail will receive salary increases as part of the county’s newly adopted 2024 budget in an effort to reduce turnover and understaffing within the overcrowded jail.
“The jail’s been experiencing critical-level staffing shortages for the last couple of years that have made it very difficult, if not impossible, for us to meet state minimum staffing requirements at the jail,” Spencer said. “We’re optimistic that we’ll be able to get closer to being fully staffed in the jail.”
KPRC: PHOTOS: Chop shop discovered in NW Harris County; Stolen vehicles worth $254K recovered
“Five stolen vehicles worth more than $254,000 were recovered after a chop shop was discovered in northwest Harris County, according to the Harris County Sheriff’s Office Special Investigations Division. A Harris County Sheriff’s Office Special Investigations Division official said via social media that felony theft charges were filed in the case. The location of the chop shop was not disclosed, nor the suspects involved.”
Harris County Sheriff’s Office Women’s Symposium
We had a wonderful time at the Harris County Sheriff’s Office Women’s Symposium! Thank you to all the law enforcement women protecting and serving our community.
The conference’s objective was to advance the development of women in Law Enforcement through education, recognition, and achievement.
We had multiple guests, panelists, and speakers, including the Houston Metro Police Department Chief Vera Bumpers, Harris County Fire Marshal’s Office Laurie Christensen, FBI National Academy Instructor Heidi Ramsey, Harris County Sheriff’s Office Retired Assistant Chief Debra Schmidt, the Chief of Police of Waco Police Department Sheryl Victorian, Licensed Professional Counselor Ashley S. Warren. We also had a panel with Harris County Sheriff Ed Gonzalez, Chief Deputy Mike Lee, Assistant Chief Phillip Bosquez, Assistant Chief Tommy Diaz, and Assistant Chief Tony Huynh.
We also had an Award Ceremony to highlight the fantastic job our teammates are doing. Thanks to our host, Angelique Myers, the Senior Media Services Manager at HCSO.
To the HCSO Women in Law Enforcement Symposium Committee, we thank each of you for your commitment and efforts to make this a successful symposium. Recruiting women into law enforcement is essential to creating a more diverse and equitable police force.
HCSO Teammates of the Week
Teammates of the Week: Sheriff Ed Gonzalez and HCSO highlight teammates who go above and beyond.
‘The Blue Mass’, an annual celebration and service for local first responders.
National Day of Remembrance for Homicide Victims
The Harris County Sheriff’s Office joined Crime Stoppers of Houston and other partners at an event last night in honor of the National Day of Remembrance for Homicide Victims.
Congratulations to the HCSO Jail Brothers in Arms for winning the National Association of Counties (NACo) 2023 Achievement Award in the category of Criminal Justice and Public Safety!
Congratulations to our new Detention Officers on their graduation! We are incredibly proud of your hard work and dedication. Thank you for your commitment to serving and protecting.
Hispanic Heritage Month
In honor of National Hispanic Heritage Month, Sheriff Ed Gonzalez and the Harris County Sheriff’s Office are highlighting our agency’s leaders.
