The Family Violence Protection Team (FVPT) is a collaborative, community response to family and dating violence that provides multiple services. We improve access to law enforcement, counseling, crisis management and legal services for survivors of family violence and their children. We hope to increase batterer accountability, empower survivors to lead violence-free lives and lead the community's zero tolerance policy toward family and dating violence.

The Team:

Texas law views family violence as a serious danger and a threat to society. Assaults and threats to members of a person's family, household or dating relationships are considered family violence. A "member of a family or household" includes people who formerly lived together as defined by state law. A "dating relationship" means a relationship between individuals who have or had a continuing romantic or intimate relationship as defined by state law. Travis County is fortunate to have a solid network of public and non-profit organizations that deal with domestic violence. In 1996, the Austin Police Department applied for a "Grant to Encourage Arrest Policies" through the US Department of Justice, Violence Against Women Grants Office. As a result of the grant award, the Department began to assemble the Family Violence Protection Team in May 1997.

The following agencies make up the team:

  • The Austin Police Department 
  • The Travis County Sheriff's Office
  • SAFE Alliance (formerly SafePlace) 
  • Legal Aid of Central Texas 
  • Texas Advocacy Project 
  • Travis County Attorney's Office
  • Travis County District Attorney's Office
  • Travis County Justice Planning

Public Service Announcements

Additional Web Resources: