Domestic Violence

The Domestic Violence Unit is an investigative unit within the Criminal Investigations Division. They investigate cases occurring within Precinct 4 in which the complaining witness is related to the offender through marriage, former spouses, family members and former family members, in-laws, girlfriends, boyfriends, intimate partners, roommates, or acquaintances. The DVU investigates assaults (physical assault, assault on pregnant women, strangulation), harassment, and other related crimes such as injury to a child or the elderly.

Our goal is to intervene where violence has occurred by placing a priority on victims' safety and promoting a community wide response to reduce Domestic Violence. The Constable's Department approaches these concerns in several different ways. First, with the criminal justice system by making lawful arrests of batterers. Secondly, with the victim by providing an immediate response and crisis intervention with Victim Assistance. Thirdly, in the community with public awareness and education in the prevention of family violence. Family Violence is a criminal offense and prosecuted like any other violent crime.

There is help if you believe you are a victim of family violence. The Precinct 4 Criminal Investigations Division, has a specialized unit called the Domestic Violence Unit that investigates cases of Domestic Violence. Domestic Violence is commonly known as Family Violence or Domestic Abuse. To learn more about domestic violence and the services the Domestic Violence Unit offers, please contact the DVU at 832-927-6156.

Victim Assistance

Our liaisons, trained in direct on-scene contact and victimization, assist victims of violent crimes and domestic abuse by directing victims through the compensation application process, intervening on behalf of the victim and their families to employers, and by keeping them informed of the status of the investigation and legal process. They also refer clients to counselors specifically trained in these services and intercede with health care providers. They strive to return the victim to a pre-incident level of functionality and reduce the overall impact of the incident on the victim and their family. Their secondary goal is to increase educational awareness that results in enhanced concern for the areas of victimization.

As a victim of a crime, you may experiencing psychological and emotional trauma. The Harris County Precinct 4 Victim Assistance Program is committed to restoring the respect and dignity of crime victims through crisis intervention, counseling, advocacy, education, information and referral. Every effort will be made to provides services to individuals who request assistance from law enforcement.
​
Addressing the needs of a victim will in turn facilitate the victim's' and witness's' willingness and ability to cooperate with the Criminal Justice System in the investigation and prosecution of the crimes.
​
Special consideration is also directed to law enforcement officers and the community in educating them in the victimization process and recognizing the needs and rights of crime victims.