Resource Library

Find survivor resources and download educational materials below.

Download Materials

Survivor Brochures

Our resources are available to download and/or print below:

    • A Campus Advocate’s Guide to the Final Rule under Title IX (English)

    • A Texas-Sized Failure: Sexual Assaults in Texas Prisons(English, 2016 report)

    • In Your Own Backyard – Police Fact Sheet (English)

    • In Your Own Backyard – EMS Fact Sheet (English)

    • In Your Own Backyard – Statistics Sheet (English)

    • Sexual Assault Exams and Accompaniment (English)

    • Advocate accompaniment for Law Enforcement (English)

    • Change MEdia: Using Social Media to Inspire Social Change (English)

    • Teaching Gender Respect in the Bilingual Classroom (English)

    • Online Child Exploitation (English | Español)

    • Stalking (English | Español)

    • Addressing Systemic Racism in the Anti-Violence Movement (Several Resources)

    • Survivor Stories

    Turn Texas Teal Campaign: Every year we ask the community to join in TAASA’s Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month (SAAPM) initiative designed to raise awareness and promote prevention-based actions across Texas. Starting in 2016, TAASA launched its #TurnTexasTeal initiative, which entails sharing the campaign via Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram to populate social media with everything from survivor stories to calls to action. The best part about #TurnTexasTeal is that the content is largely generated and shared by people like you! Please help us get the word out. Encourage your friends and family to help TURN TEXAS TEAL!

    #TurnTexasTeal SAAPM 2025 Toolkit

    Speak Up. Speak Out. | The “Speak Up. Speak Out.” campaign features ads of an actual Texas survivor of sexual assault, talking about their personal story. Their messages are about hope and healing, rather than victimization – reinforcing the campaign’s goal to inform the public about sexual assault crisis services and to encourage dialogue across Texas.

    Check out the National Sexual Violence Resource Center (NSVRC) campaign.

    • Human Trafficking (English)

    • Human Trafficking Resource Manual for Advocates (English)

    • Working with Addicted Survivors of Sexual Assault (English)

    • Sexual Assault Advocate Training Manual (English)

    • Volunteer Toolkit (English)

    • A Health Survey of Texas: A Focus On Sexual Assault (English)

    • Sexual Assault Exams & Accompaniment (English)

    • Advocacy Accompaniment for Law Enforcement (English)

    • Advocates Emergency Room Checklist (English)

    • Eliminating Barriers: A Guide for Law Enforcement (English)

    • Activity-based Assessment Toolkit (English)

    • An Introduction to SARTs in Texas (English)

    • SART Info Sheet (English)

    • Resolution template for regional SART (English)

    • SART Bylaws Template (English)

    • HIV Info Sheet (English)

    • Trauma Informed Communication (English)

    • Guide to the 2024 Final Rule under Title IX (English)

    • Title IX Info Sheet (English | Español)

    • SB 806 Example Notification Document for Sexual Assault Survivors (English | Español)

    Legislative Session Updates

    • Prevention and Response to Sexual Assault and Harassment: A Best Practice Guide for K-12 Schools (English | Español)

    • Engaging Communities in Sexual Violence Prevention (English)

    • Hart’s Ladder of Youth Engagement (English)

    • Change MEdia: Using Social Media to Inspire Social Change (English)

    • Volunteer Toolkit (English)

    • Activity-based Assessment Toolkit (English)

    • Tools for Change (English)

    • Connecting the Dots: An Overview of the Links Among Multiple Forms of Violence (English)

    • Focus Groups & Interviews: Supplemental Information Gathering, 2008 (English)

    • Activity-based Assessment: Integrating Evaluation into Prevention Currciula (English)

    • Stop SV: A Technical Package to Prevent Sexual Violence (English)

    • Virtual Reality: Implementing Sexual Violence Primary Prevention Programming Online (English)

    • Helping Youth Slay their Way (Video)

    • Sexual Violence in Texas FACT SHEET (English | Español)

    • Sexual Assault Response Teams (English)

    • Trauma Informed Communication (English)

    • HIV Info Sheet (English)

    • Seven Simple Steps to Improve Your Trauma-Informed Communication (English)

    • HB 1172 Sexual Assault Advocate Accompaniment: An Implementation Guide for Law Enforcement (English)

We realize that you may have many concerns at once. Below you can find information about Texas laws that relate to sexual assault. Use this page to understand your legal options and rights after sexual assault.

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.

    Crisis Center Locator

    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 in a prosecutor’s office or you can apply for one yourself by using specific forms and following the instructions found here.

    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.

  • An act of sexual violence often causes unexpected expenses that can disrupt your life and create unneeded stress. However, Texas law may offer a solution.

    Crime Victims’ Compensation

    If you’ve suffered economic loss as a result of a crime, and you’ve reported the crime to the police, you may be eligible for compensation from the state Crime Victims’ Compensation (CVC) fund. CVC can cover a certain amount of medical costs, moving expenses, lost wages, and counseling expenses.

    Restitution

    All crime victims have the right to request that their attackers financially compensate them in criminal court. This is called restitution. You should let the prosecutor know if you are interested in seeking restitution from the person who assaulted you.

    Suing Your Attacker

    Even if no criminal charges have been filed, you may be able to receive financial compensation by suing the perpetrator. You might also have rights against a “third party” who is responsible for allowing the crime to occur (e.g., a bar, store, parking garage, landlord, college or university, hotel, etc.).

  • We understand how important your privacy is, and we want to help you stay in control of your private information. If you have talked with a doctor or nurse, a therapist, your school, or your employer, or if you have a criminal case, you have important legal rights.

    Attorney-Client Privilege

    If you talk with a private attorney (not a prosecutor) about your legal options, the information you share will stay 100% confidential.

    Private Information / Records

    During any legal case, it’s possible for your private information to be revealed. That can include your address, medical/therapy records, and more. However, a lawyer can prevent that from happening. You can always ask that a pseudonym (false name) be used in the police report and that the court records be sealed. Also, before signing a release or giving private information to a court, police, a defense lawyer, or other officials, be sure to ask who will have access to your information.

    Assaults at Work / School / Apartment

    Sometimes, it is appropriate to notify a boss, or another official where the incident occurred. However, you don’t have to give up your privacy rights. A lawyer can help limit the exposure of your private information.

  • Stable housing is crucial for a stable life. Therefore, for many people, finding or maintaining safe housing following an act of sexual violence is their top priority.

    Terminating Your Lease

    Texas has special laws that allow victims of sexual assault, stalking, attempted sexual assault, and parents of child sexual abuse victims to break their lease early without being penalized if the assault occurred on the leased premises. Check here for more information.

    Relocation

    The Texas Attorney General’s Crime Victims’ Compensation fund may be able to reimburse you for some of your moving expenses.

    Public and Subsidized Housing

    Sometimes, public or subsidized housing is a good option. We can help you consider your options. In some cases, federal law may provide special protections to help you and your family find, or remain in, public or subsidized housing.

  • An act of sexual violence can have severe impacts on work life. The effects of trauma or physical injury may hinder your ability to work effectively. Or, you may feel unsafe at work because you were assaulted by someone you work with. No matter the situation, you likely have important concerns that the criminal justice system does not address. See below to learn more.

    Unemployment Insurance

    Effective September 1, 2013, workers who choose to leave their jobs to protect themselves or their families following sexual assault or abuse are no longer considered ineligible to receive unemployment insurance benefits from the Texas Workforce Commission.

    Accommodations at Work

    If you need to change your work schedule, change work site locations, or other accommodations to ensure your safety, the law may give you the right to do so.

    Lost Income

    If you’ve had to miss work because of your assault and you lost wages as a result, the Attorney General’s Crime Victims’ Compensation fund may be able to reimburse your lost wages. You may also be eligible for unemployment insurance benefits if you left your job to protect your safety. In addition, if you have not received your proper wages because of your assault, we can assist you with filing a wage claim with the Texas Workforce Commission.

    Time Off Work

    If you have worked at least a year at a place with at least 50 employees, you may be entitled under the Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA) to take time off work for medical reasons, without harming your employment. You don’t need vacation time to qualify.

    Americans with Disabilities Act

    If you have suffered a physical or mental injury as a result of a sexual assault (e.g., post-traumatic stress disorder), you may be entitled to special accommodations in the workplace and/or protections against negative actions by your supervisor.

    Sex Discrimination

    If you were sexually assaulted by a co-worker or supervisor, or if the assault occurred at work, it could be considered sex discrimination under state or federal law. Therefore, you may qualify for a discrimination claim against your employer. It is important to consult with a lawyer to see whether you qualify for this type of relief. The Equal Justice Center can help you with your sex discrimination case. Call (800) 853-4028.

  • Federal law considers sexual assault on campus a form of sex discrimination and requires all schools to respond firmly and promptly to all forms of sexual violence. In April 2011, the Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights issued a letter explaining exactly what kinds of assistance your school should provide. Effective on March 14, 2014, the Violence Against Women Act enshrines much of the DOE’s letter into federal law.

    Understanding Your School’s Policies

    You may find your campus’s internal disciplinary process complicated or intimidating, or you may be unsure about whether to begin that process at all. An attorney can walk you through that difficult process and help you navigate the system. Even though some schools do not allow students to be represented by lawyers during disciplinary hearings, an attorney can help you write a statement, prepare for a hearing, and prepare to question witnesses. An attorney can also help ensure your privacy is protected to the fullest extent possible.

    Personal Safety

    If the person who assaulted you is a fellow student, or someone else who knows where you go to school, you may be concerned for your safety. There are several legal remedies that may be good options for you. For example, an attorney may be able to assist you with obtaining a protective order (no police report required), changing your housing, changing your class schedule, increased security at your campus job, or taking time off school without harming your student record.

    Pressing Charges

    Sometimes, a university will want to address sexual violence internally, through its own procedures only. If you want to bring a criminal case against your attacker, you have the right to report to local law enforcement, and have the assault treated as a serious criminal offense. An attorney can help you review your options, and help you navigate these two different systems.

    Middle and High School

    Most of the federal laws that apply to universities also apply to middle and high schools. A minor victim of sexual assault is eligible to apply for a protective order against the perpetrator, even if it is a classmate at the same school. In addition, Texas schools are required to offer their own stay-away orders to prohibit violence and harassment by their students. Minors who have been sexually assaulted at middle or high school may also have the right to request safety transfers to different schools.

  • Often your assailant is someone you have been intimately involved with - a spouse, partner, boyfriend or girlfriend - and you may even own property together, or have children together. If this is the case, severing those ties can be extremely stressful and complicated. A lawyer that specializes in family law can help you understand your rights.

    Divorce

    If you are married to your offender, you may decide you want a divorce. You can seek a divorce with the help of an attorney or you can represent yourself. There are free self-help forms and instructions on TexasLawHelp:

    • https://texaslawhelp.org/resource/divorce-brochure-for-uncontested-divorce?ref=HMkJm

    • https://texaslawhelp.org/resource/do-it-yourself-court-forms-free

    A divorce proceeding allows you to get Temporary Orders in place to secure property and debts, and also gives you the opportunity to seek temporary custody of the children, and get some financial support ordered (child support and/or spousal support). If it can be proved that you are the victim of a sexual assault by your spouse, then you are entitled to seek spousal support, regardless of the length of your marriage, as well as a larger share of the marital property. You should not attempt to represent yourself without consulting with an attorney if you have a significant amount of property, if you have children, and/or if you want to also seek a protective order.

    Custody

    If you have children with your offender, you may decide you want additional safeguards around sharing possession of your children. You may want to limit the amount of time that the offender can spend with the children, or even have his/her time supervised. You may want to exchange the children in a safe place, that is not at either of your residences. You may want to designate a safe method for communications about the children, to avoid harassment or threats. You may need to clarify the terms of your shared possession to minimize unnecessary communications. You may want to get financial support for the children, including health insurance. A custody case, which can be brought during a divorce, or brought separately, can help address all these issues. If it can be proven that you or the children are the victims of sexual assault, then the court may decide to limit the offenders’ access to the children. A skilled attorney can help you understand your legal rights and what to expect in a custody case.

  • An act of sexual violence can complicate your immigration status in the United States. However, there are some federal laws that provide important protections in some situations. Your current immigration status does not matter, and we will keep your information completely confidential.

    U Visa

    If you have been a victim of a violent crime, including sexual assault, you may be eligible to apply for a U visa. The U visa is a temporary visa that allows you to remain in the US while you assist in the investigation and prosecution of the crime. This visa may lead to lawful permanent resident status and later citizenship. A lawyer that specializes in immigration law can help you determine whether you qualify for this visa.

    T Visa

    If you have been a victim of human trafficking (either international or domestic), you may be eligible to apply for a T visa. The T visa is a temporary visa that allows you to remain in the US while you assist in the investigation and prosecution of the crime. This visa may lead to lawful permanent resident status and later citizenship. A lawyer that specializes in immigration law can help you determine whether you qualify for this visa.

    Self-Petition

    If your spouse is a US citizen or lawful permanent resident, and he or she has assaulted or sexually abused you or your child, you may be eligible to apply for your own green card. You can do this without your spouse’s involvement or knowledge. A lawyer that specializes in immigration law can help you determine whether you qualify for this type of relief.

    Asylum

    In some cases, immigrants who have been sexually assaulted may qualify for asylum relief. In general, to qualify for asylum, an immigrant must be in danger of persecution in her or his home country on the basis of race, religion, nationality, political opinion, or membership in a particular social group. Before filing a petition for asylum, it is very important to consult with an immigration attorney if possible.

The following resources include direct contact information for attorneys and legal aid.

  • Services are offered to Asian and other immigrant families dealing with domestic violence, sexual assault and trafficking, and include: hospital accompaniment, crisis intervention, and advocacy 24 hours, 7 days a week via hotline and in-person. Staff members are available to provide clients accompaniment to hospitals, law enforcement offices, prosecutors’ offices and courts. Additionally, clients can receive assistance with applying for protective orders, reporting the crime, access therapeutic counseling, receive safety planning and assistance with basic needs such as food and shelter. Located in the Austin area.

    Website | Phone

  • Center activities include outreach, legal assessment and counseling, citizen application assistance, legal representation and advocacy.

    Accepts cases involving Family Petitions, Naturalization, Cuban Adjustment, Refugee and Asylee Adjustment, T Visa, U Visa, & VAWA, Asylum, Unaccompanied Minors, and Deferred Action. Located in the Houston area.

    Website | Phone (main line)

  • Services include family visa petitions, adjustment of status applications, consular visa processing, representation of survivors of sexual assault, naturalization/citizenship applications, applications for Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA), permanent resident applications for refugees and asylees, document renewals and replacements, education and outreach about immigration law, legal orientations for custodians of unaccompanied children, representation of certain unaccompanied minors in removal proceedings. Located in Dallas.

    Website | Phone

  • The EJC helps survivors of sexual assault recover compensation and gain security in the workplace, holds employers accountable when the company’s employment practices have allowed sexual assault to occur within their business, and helps survivors secure the compensation and legal remedies they need for their recovery. Offices in Austin, Dallas, Houston and San Antonio.

    Website | Phone

  • Provides legal advice, counsel and full representation to survivors in the areas of housing, family, education, safety and privacy, employment, public benefits, consumer law, barrier removal, immigration, probate, guardianship, taxes and bankruptcy throughout LANWT’s service area.

    Website | Phone

    Click here for a complete listing of LANWT counties.

  • Provides assistance with family law and elder law. Located in Lubbock.

    Website | Phone

  • Legal services include assistance with obtaining protective orders, divorce and custody, lease terminations, help with benefits, CVC, debt problems and identity theft. Many offices throughout North and East Texas.

    Website | Phone

  • Provides legal advocacy services, court accompaniment, assistance in obtaining protective orders and referrals to attorneys.

    Offices in McAllen and Weslaco.

    Website | McAllen Phone | Weslaco Phone

  • SAFE offers legal support to survivors of domestic abuse, child abuse, sexual assault, and sex trafficking. Services include legal representation and advice on family law, immigration, protective orders, lease terminations, name changes, wills, subpoena defense and limited criminal defense. Located in the Austin area.

    Website | Phone | Text | Online Chat

  • Provides immigration law assistance with asylum, VAWA Petitions, T and U Visas, and special immigrant juvenile status. Located in the Houston area.

    Website | Phone | Email

  • Provides assistance statewide with family law and obtaining protective orders.

    Make an application for legal services online.

    Website | Phone

  • Offers legal advice, safety planning, pro se (self-representation) assistance, and legal representation to survivors of sexual assault statewide.

    Make an application for legal services online.

    Website | Phone

  • Advice and legal representation in the following types of cases: protective orders, divorce, child custody, obtaining unpaid wages, maintaining benefits, fighting workplace discrimination, and obtaining work permits and immigration status for immigrant victims of violence. Services can also include assistance with school and work safety, and with ongoing privacy concerns.

    Website | Phone