_{Frequently Asked Questions}

What are the Warning signs of Domestic Violence?

• Threatens to hurt you

• Verbally abuses you

• Makes all the decisions in the relationship

• Pressures you for sex

• Has a violent temper

• Won't let you have friends of the opposite sex

• Constantly wants to know where you are at all time

• Criticizes, humiliates or degrades you

• Acts jealous or possessive

• Does not want you to work

• Controls your money

• Isolates you from your friends and family

What do I do if I'm in an abusive relationship?

• Go to the Family Justice Center

• Make police reports of all incidents

• Seek medical treatment, if needed

• Tell someone you trust

• Develop a Safety Plan

How do I help someone in an abusive relationship?

• Provide them with information from the Family Justice Center

• Encourage them to seek help

• Encourage them to make police reports

• Be supportive

• Be non-judgmental

What is a Safety Plan?

This is a plan that assists a person as they plan to leave an abusive relationship in the safest way possible.  See example

Where do I park at the Family Justice Center?

Park on the Eastside of the Building on Leona St in the visitor parking lot.  Parking cost is $1.25.

What are your hours of operation at the Family Justice Center?

Our hours of operation are from 8 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

How do I apply for a protective Order?

You will be required to fill out a simple application form giving us information on yourself and the person you are making the complaint against (the defendant).  If you cannot fill out the application, we will help you.  In order to provide you with a Protective Order, we need the following :

• A police report( we will obtain this for you; however, if you have a recent police report it will expedite your case).

• Bring the case numbers of all reports with you, if you have them

• A statement that we take from you describing what type of violence has occurred.

• A current address on the defendant.

 Can I bring my children with me to the Family Justice Center?

Yes. We have a child care room where your  children can stay and play while you are receiving your services.  This room is staffed at all times by Foster Grandparents provided by Catholic Charities.

Can the Family Justice Center assist me with Transportation? 

Yes.  Call 208-6800 if you need assistance with transportation.

May I bring a friend with me for support?

Yes. However, the FJC waiting area is reserved for clients of the center.  As such,your friend or family member(s) will be asked to wait in a different waiting room and will not be permitted to accompany you as you seek services.

Can I call anytime day or night?

Yes. As of October 10, 2005, The Rape Crisis Center Hotline answers Family Justice Center calls and provide information, referral, and support after hours and on weekends.  The Family Justice Center will follow up on any messages the following business day.

What if I am Hearing Impaired?

We will provide someone who can communicate using sign language.

What if I speak another language?

We have staff onsite that speak Spanish.  We will do our best to accommodate other language needs.

How much will it cost me to obtain any services?

All services are free of charge.

How do I file a police report?

Filing a Police Report and Charges:  (these are actually two different processes)

There are a variety of ways that a police report and charges can be filed.  It is important to know that charges are not automatically filed when a report is made.  Please refer to the following examples for guidance with filing a report and filing charges.  It is important to document each incident even if you do not wish to pursue charges at this time.

Sceenrio #1:

Police are called at the time of incident and the suspect is arrested:

If the suspect is arrested then a police report is made and charges are automatically filed.

Scenario #2:
 

Police are called and no arrest is made:

If an arrest is not made at the time of the incident, a police report has been made but you will need to file charges.

Scenario #3:
 

Police were not called at the time of the incident:

If you do not call the police you should still document the incident by filing a police report and file charges.
 

You will be assisted with making a police report, if necessary and filing criminal charges at the Bexar County Family Justice Center.

Items you need to bring with you (if you have them):

• Case number(s)
• Photos of injuries you or someone else may have taken
• Medical records

What is a Protective Order?

    A court order which:

• Orders a person not to commit any more family violence

• Orders a person not to come within a certain distance of where the victim lives and works

• Orders a person to stop harassing, annoying, alarming, abusing, tormenting or embarrassing a victim.

• If you are still living together, requires the defendant to move out.

• Orders a person not to communicate with the victim directly or indirectly in a way that is harassing or threatening.

Who can apply for a Protective Order?

The person who committed the family violence against the victim must be either:

• related to the victim by blood or marriage (ex spouses are also eligible)

• currently living with the victim or must have lived with them at some time

• someone the victim has had a child with

• someone the victim has had a continuing intimate dating relationship with, without regard to gender

• someone who sexually assaulted the victim