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Your Situation - Step 1

I am a victim of a crime

If you have recently experienced a crime, your safety and well-being are the top priority. You are not alone in this process. This guide is designed specifically for you, providing essential information about your rights and what you can expect during the reporting process in Texas.

For non-emergency situations that require police response, call 713-884-3131 (Houston) or your local police department.

I am a victim of a crime
I am a victim of a crime

Key steps to consider

Taking these steps can help ensure your safety and preserve important evidence:

1

Make sure you’re safe

If you’re in immediate danger, call 911. If it’s not urgent but you still need police help, call the Houston Police Department non-emergency line. You can bring a trusted person or an advocate when you speak with officers.

Make sure you’re safeTIP: HPD non-emergency (Houston): 713-884-3131. You’re allowed to have a support person with you.
2

You are not alone: get support

You can talk with a confidential advocate who will listen without judgment, help with safety planning, and explain your options—whether or not you decide to report now. Staying in touch with your law enforcement or victim-services advocate can help you get updates and feel supported.

TIP: Unsure what to do next? A trained advocate can walk you through small, manageable steps. For referrals and help with victims’ compensation, call 1-800-983-9933.
3

Preserve details and evidence

As soon as you can, jot down what happened—in your own words—including date, time, location, people involved, and anything you saw or heard. Save texts, emails, screenshots, photos, and any medical or police paperwork in one place.

To explore Texas Crime Victims’ Compensation or check application status, visit the OAG CVC portal or call 1-800-983-9933. It’s okay to take this one step
4

Know your options to report

You can report now or later. For non-emergencies, call your local non-emergency line or go to the station; bring a trusted person or advocate if you’d like. When speaking with officers, be honest and clear—use your own words. It’s okay to say “I don’t know” or ask for a pause or clarification.

TIP: Bringing a trusted person or advocate is allowed and can make the process easier.
5

Safety first for domestic violence or trafficking

Tell the officer if you have safety concerns or fear retaliation. You can ask for a specially trained officer or a victim-services advocate and inquire about safety options like protective orders, emergency shelter, or privacy protections. If it’s not urgent but you need police help, use HPD’s non-emergency line.

TIP: DV Hotline 1-800-799-7233 (thehotline.org) 
• Human Trafficking Hotline 1-888-373-7888 (humantraffickinghotline.org) 
• HPD non-emergency: 713-884-3131. You can choose your next steps at your own pace.
6

What happens next

After reporting, you should receive an incident/case number. Keep it somewhere safe. It helps law enforcement and victim-services locate your case, lets you follow up for updates, and keeps agencies on the same page as things move forward.

TIP: When you call for updates, have your case number ready. If the process feels overwhelming, it’s okay to pause and return when you’re ready—an advocate can help you plan the next small step.
I am a victim of a crime

Resources and Services

The following Texas resources are available to assist you during this stage. Each resource includes specific contact information and services provided.

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All Crimes
100th Judicial District Attorney's Office

100th Judicial District Attorney's Office

Assistance with Crime Victims' Compensation, Assistance with Victim Impact Statements, Assistance with Restitution, Criminal Justice Accompaniment, Follow - up, Information & Referral, Other, Protective Orders, Safety Planning, Victim Advocacy

Prosecution
Homicide
Local support
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Parents of Murdered Children (POMC)

Parents of Murdered Children (POMC) offers ongoing emotional support to help survivors of homicide rebuild their lives and navigate the criminal justice process. Our National Headquarters connects survivors with local support, provides individual advocacy, and helps families start POMC chapters in their communities. They also offer professional training for law enforcement, mental health providers, educators, and others to better understand and support those impacted by murder

Non-Profit
Community-Based Organization
All Crimes
105th Judicial District Attorney's Office

105th Judicial District Attorney's Office

Assistance with Crime Victims' Compensation, Assistance with Victim Impact Statements, Assistance with Restitution, Criminal Justice Accompaniment, Follow - up, Information & Referral, Other, Protective Orders, Safety Planning, Victim Advocacy

Prosecution
All Crimes
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106th Judicial District Attorney's Office

Assistance with Crime Victims' Compensation, Assistance with Victim Impact Statements, Assistance with Restitution, Criminal Justice Accompaniment, Follow - up, Information & Referral, Other, Protective Orders, Safety Planning, Victim Advocacy

Prosecution
All Crimes
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109th Judicial District Attorney's Office - Crane

Assistance with Crime Victims' Compensation, Assistance with Victim Impact Statements, Assistance with Restitution, Criminal Justice Accompaniment, Follow - up, Information & Referral, Other, Protective Orders, Safety Planning, Victim Advocacy

Prosecution
All Crimes
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109th Judicial District Attorney's Office - Winkler

Assistance with Crime Victims' Compensation, Assistance with Victim Impact Statements, Assistance with Restitution, Criminal Justice Accompaniment, Follow - up, Information & Referral, Other, Protective Orders, Safety Planning, Victim Advocacy

Prosecution
Rights at this stage

You have the right to...

As a victim in Texas you fundamentally have rights in Texas as defined in the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure, Article 56, Subchapter A, Crime Victims’ Rights, a victim of a violent crime is someone who: (1) has suffered bodily injury or death as a result of criminally injurious conduct, or who has been the victim of a crime involving sexual assault, kidnapping, or aggravated robbery; (2) is the close relative (spouse, parent, brother, sister, or adult child) or (3) is the guardian of a victim. As a victim of violent crime.

We’re Here for You at Every Stage

Whether you’re reporting a crime for the first time, navigating court proceedings, or seeking support after sentencing, you’ll find information and resources tailored to your needs. Select the stage that matches your situation to get started.

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