Aid to Victims of Domestic Abuse (AVDA)
Aid to Victims of Domestic Abuse (AVDA) works with victims of domestic abuse. They offer the following services at no cost:
- Legal representation for protective orders, divorce, child support and child custody
- Developing an individual Safety and Self-Sufficiency Plan that identifies different options and resources to address emotional, physical, financial and legal risks/concerns
- Referrals for emergency food, shelter, medical care, counseling and other social-service needs
- Individual and group counseling for the survivor and her/his children (in Harris County)
- Financial assistance for emergency shelter, food, transportation and more
- Funds for education and training
- Advocacy with police, prosecutors and the Harris and Fort Bend county courts
- Information about her/his rights under the Texas Family Code and insight into how the family courts work
- Information about her/his rights and options regarding criminal law and guidance as to how the criminal justice system operates
- Assistance in completing Texas Crime Victims’ Compensation Fund applications
Our Victim Advocates are sitting by to take your call from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday-Friday at 713-224-9911 or you may request a call-back through our online pre-registration. We also have Saturday hours once a month by appointment—call to ask when.
After speaking with you, the Victim Advocate will schedule an appointment with you at the AVDA offices, 1001 Texas Ave., Suite 600, Houston, TX 77002. Fort Bend County residents meet at The United Way Fort Bend Center, 12300 Parc Crest Drive, Suite 140, Stafford, Texas 77477 or Fort Bend County Women’s Center, 1002 Wilson Drive, Rosenberg, Texas 77471.
In Harris County, you may also meet with an ADVA Advocate at the following locations:
Houston Area Women’s Center, 1010 Waugh Drive. Every Monday, 8 a.m. – 1 p.m. by appointment only. Call (713) 528-2121.
Westside Family Violence Unit/Houston Police Department, 3203 S. Dairy Ashford. Every Tuesday, 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. (832) 394-5611. Walk-ins on a first come, first served basis.
North Family Violence Unit/Houston Police Department, 9455 W. Montgomery. Alternating Wednesdays, 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. (832) 394-3600. Walk-ins on a first come, first served basis.
Southeast Family Violence Unit/Houston Police Department, 8300 Mykawa Rd. Every Thursday, 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. (832) 394-1797. Walk-ins on a first come, first served basis.
Harris County District Attorney’s Office, 2221 West Loop South. Every other Wednesday from 8 a.m. – 12 p.m.
URL: http://avda-tx.org/legal-advocacy/
Main office: 1001 Texas Avenue
Suite 600
Houston, 77002
Main phone number: 1-713-224-9911