Rape, sexual assault, and domestic violence crimes are frustratingly difficult to prosecute successfully. In Houston alone, there are about 145,000 of these victims each year, with fewer than 1% of their perpetrators incarcerated. One of the most significant reasons for this low conviction rate occurs when victims are unable pursue their case to the end. This horrific injustice feels hopeless to victims and family members, and the lack of successful convictions often drives victims into isolation. Many of them understandably decide that seeking justice is not safe or beneficial for their survival.
We have an opportunity to lessen crimes against women and children by employing a new strategy to achieve a higher conviction rate for sexual assault predators and repeat offenders. Respond Campaign is a combined effort by local organizations to disrupt the criminal advantage by equipping law enforcement, educating victims, and providing evidence collection on the day of an assault.
Connectivity – Education and Resources for Victims
A mobile app providing video education and resources will immediately assist victims to navigate the aftermath of a tragedy. This education can be provided under the auspices of the District Attorney’s Office. Tools that educate survivors are easily accessible by advocates, counselors or shelters. The mobile app acts as a case management tool and can be sent directly to a victim’s phone or safe phone.
Video Education & Training Development is estimated at five months which will include a total of 35 videos . Original video education is researched and developed by leading experts in social work and trauma recovery. The initial launch of the educational videos, government department explanations, case management explanations, types of resources needed, and personal recovery methods will require 60% of the development costs.
The app will provide written and video explanation, GPS to locations, department requirements, and one touch dialing to (but not limited to) the following resources.
DOCUMENTATION for DONATION are at bottom of this page.
National Domestic Violence Hotline
Help is available to callers 24 hours and hotline advocates are available for victims and anyone calling on their behalf to provide crisis intervention, safety planning, information and referrals to agencies.
Houston Area Women's Center
The Houston Area Women’s Center helps individuals affected by domestic and sexual violence in their efforts to move their lives forward. They provide shelter, counseling, and advocacy to support them in building lives free from the effects of violence.
The Bridge Over Troubled Waters
The mission of The Bridge is to offer support, provide safety and prevent domestic and sexual violence. We believe everyone has a right to live a life without violence and to walk in their full potential as a human without regard to race, color, national origin, age, sex, ability, sexual orientation, religion or political beliefs.
Family Time Crisis and Counseling Center
The mission of Family Time is to provide services and programs to encourage the mental health and wellness of the community as well as promote safety and support for the prevention of domestic and sexual violence.
Office On Violence Against Women (OVW)
The office of OVW has handled the DAOD’s legal and policy issues regarding violence against women and coordinates Departmental efforts in addressing and responded to requests for information for victims.
Office for Victims of Crime (OVC)
The OVC oversees diverse programs that benefit victims of crime and provides substantial funding to state victim assistance and compensation programs-the lifeline services that help victims to heal.
Texas Attorney General Crime Victims Compensation
Information, assistance, and referrals for victims of crime - Apply for Crime Victim’s Compensation (money to help with expenses related to being a victim of crime).
Texas Forensic Nurse Examiners TXFNE
TXFNE are qualified nurses that provide forensic exams for victims of violence and collect the evidence needed to for legal representation. Personal care and clinical direction for better recovery is also provided by trusted RNs with years of experience in ER care and forensic exams.
United Way Helpline
Community resources and referrals – Includes referrals for all types of needs including counseling, child or elder care, mental health, food, shelter, and much more.
Crisis Hotline of Houston
24 hour telephone and web-based help – Includes counseling, suicide prevention and intervention and information and referral.
Texas Department of Criminal Justice – Victim Services Division
The mission of the Victim Services Division is to provide a central mechanism for crime victims to participate in the Criminal Justice System.
Texas Council On Family Violence
The Texas Council on Family Violence promotes safe and healthy relationships by supporting service providers, facilitating strategic prevention efforts, and creating opportunities for freedom from domestic violence.
National Organization of Parents Of Murdered Children, Inc. (POMC)
POMC provides the on-going emotional support needed to help parents and other survivors facilitate the reconstruction of a "new life" and to promote a healthy resolution. POMC help survivors deal with their acute grief and also assist with navigating the criminal justice system.
Texas Association Against Sexual Assault (TAASA)
TAASA is the statewide organization committed to ending sexual violence in Texas. A non-profit educational and advocacy organization based in Austin, TAASA member agencies comprise a statewide network of over 80 crisis centers that serve rural as well as metropolitan areas.
NAMI Greater Houston
NAMI Greater Houston is a dedicated and caring family members of those living with difficult, yet treatable, mental illnesses. As such, the mission of NAMI Greater Houston is to improve the lives of all persons affected by mental illness through support, education, and advocacy based programs and services.
Mental Health America of Greater Houston
Mental Health America of Greater Houston is the area’s longest-serving mental health education and advocacy organization focused on shaping the mental health of people and communities in the areas of children and education, integrated health care, chronic illnesses, women, suicide prevention, veterans, and aging.
Texas Department of Public Safety – Identity Theft Information Guide
Document the names and phone numbers of everyone you speak to regarding the incident.
Consumer Identity Theft
Provides detailed information to help victims fight the crime of identity theft.
