Community Resources
There are several local, state, national, and international resources to assist victims, survivors, and bystanders of power-based violence. Below is a list of resources that may be beneficial to members of the Rio Grande Valley community.. Please contact OAVP at 956-665-8287 or OAVP@utrgv.edu if you have any questions about these and other resources. Our services are FREE and CONFIDENTIAL.
NATIONAL & INTERNATIONAL
- National Sexual Assault Hotline is a safe, confidential service. You can chat with an online staff member through their website or you can access the hotline by calling 1-800-656-4673 (HOPE).
- National Domestic Violence Hotline operates around the clock, seven days a week. Confidential and free of cost, the National Domestic Violence Hotline provides lifesaving tools and immediate support to enable victims to find safety and live lives free of abuse. The hotline can be accessed by calling 1-800-799 (SAFE).
LOCAL & STATE
- Mujeres Unidas has been providing emergency shelter and services to families who are fleeing from domestic violence in their homes for more than 30 years.
- Friendship of Women’s mission is to provide leadership, support on family violence and sexual assault issues and a safe place for victims and their families.
- The Family Crisis Center of the Rio Grande Valley provides free and confidential services to victims of family violence and sexual assault in northern Cameron County and all of Willacy County
- Safe Haven Forensic Exam Center at Renaissance is a forensic exam center at Doctors Hospital at Renaissance that provides comprehensive, compassionate, and patient-focused care for children and adults that have been abused or sexually assaulted. One-on-one patient care is provided by a certified forensic nurse.
- Hidalgo County Community Service Agency seeks to improve the quality of life and promote self-sufficiency of low income and vulnerable households of Hidalgo County by providing effective, efficient, and comprehensive services.
- Texas Rio Grande Legal Aid is a non-profit organization that provides free legal services to low-income residents in sixty-eight counties of Southwest Texas and represents migrant and seasonal farm workers throughout the state of Texas and six southern states: Kentucky, Tennessee, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana and Arkansas. In addition, TRLA operates public defender programs in several Southwest Texas counties, representing the poor who are accused of felonies, misdemeanors and juvenile crimes.
- Texas Civil Rights Project seeks to promote racial, social, and economic justice through education and litigation. STCRP strives to foster equality, secure justice, ensure diversity, and strengthen communities.