Protective Order Kit: A New Resource to Fight Domestic Violence

Texas Supreme Court Justice Harriet O'Neill, First Lady Anita Perry, and Attorney General Greg Abbott spoke in support of the new self-help protective order kit.

A 2002 poll conducted by the Texas Council on Family Violence found that 74 percent of all Texans have either experienced some form of domestic violence themselves or had a family member or friend who was a victim of domestic violence.

The Supreme Court of Texas, in collaboration with the Texas Access to Justice Commission, unveiled a self-help protective order kit during National Crime Victims’ Rights Awareness Week (April 10 to 16). Developed by a Texas Supreme Court task force composed of family law practitioners, judges, and prosecutors, the kit enables victims of domestic violence who do not have access to an attorney to file their own applications for protective order.

“Domestic violence has reached alarming levels in Texas, and often victims are too frightened or too financially strapped to get the help they need,” Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott said.

The protective order kit, which includes detailed, step-by-step instructions for completing the paperwork and information about the court process, is available for free at www.TexasLawHelp.org. Law enforcement agencies, domestic violence shelters, medical facilities, court clerks, and public libraries will receive the kit in hard copy and on CD. A grant from the Texas Bar Foundation will allow the kit to be translated into Spanish and Vietnamese within the next six months.

“Though there is no substitute for legal representation for victims of domestic violence, the protective order kit can be an invaluable tool for those who do not have access to a lawyer,” Texas Supreme Court Justice Harriet O’Neill said. “We want to let family violence victims, particularly those of limited means, know that there is a way out.”

“Domestic violence knows no economic, social, or income bounds,” Texas First Lady Anita Perry said. “The kit is a great new tool to fight domestic violence, helping to ensure all Texans receive the protection they deserve.” Perry, a strong advocate for family violence prevention, wrote an opinion editorial regarding the importance of the protective order kit as a means to fight domestic violence (www.teajf.org/protective_order/index.html).