Sexual Assault and Safety
Please note: The information on these pages provides general information only. It is not specific legal advice addressing your specific situation.
It’s normal to feel afraid or worried for your safety. We also understand that you know what’s best for your own safety. Contact your local sexual assault program to talk about safety planning, and ask for referrals to an attorney who can advise you about obtaining a protective order.
Protective Orders:
You may qualify for a court order to protect you. A “protective order” makes it a crime for the perpetrator to communicate with you or your household members in any manner, harm you, harass you, or go near your home, workplace, or school. You don’t have to press criminal charges, or even make a police report, although you should expect to testify in court to provide the judge with reasonable grounds to believe that you are the victim of a sexual assault. There is no requirement that you have any relationship with the offender.
You can apply for a protective order with the help of a lawyer with a prosecutor’s office or you can apply for one yourself by using specific forms and following the instructions found at https://texaslawhelp.org/protection-from-violence-or-abuse/protective-orders.
Unsafe at Home:
If you were assaulted at home, and you rent, or live in a college dorm, there are laws that can help you increase your safety. You may even be able to move at little or no cost, and without harming your credit.