Domestic violence survivors in Harris County can now get free legal help obtaining protective orders through a program that sends advocates into their communities.

The Protective Order Extended Team (POET), announced at a Friday, Oct. 2, news conference, pairs the Harris County District Attorney's Office with the Harris County Attorney's Office. Rather than requiring survivors to travel downtown, advocates will meet them at locations where they feel safe. The program is available county-wide, which includes the Spring area, according to KHOU.

"When a survivor comes to us, we will file the paperwork on their behalf; we will represent them in court, at no cost," said Mary McFaden, identified by the Houston Chronicle as the county's Domestic Violence Bureau chief, at the news conference.

The launch comes during Domestic Violence Awareness Month. It also addresses a grim backdrop. Harris County leads Texas in domestic violence homicides. Those killings rose 34% from 2023 to 2024 even as the statewide number declined, according to the Houston Chronicle. County Attorney Abbie Kamin said about one-third of all homicides in the county have a connection to domestic violence.

POET's social workers and domestic-violence-trained caseworkers offer danger assessments, safety planning and connections to shelters, hotels, relocation aid and financial assistance. Survivors do not need police involvement to seek a protective order through the program, and advocates will not ask about immigration status. If a criminal case is filed, advocates can also help survivors navigate bond conditions.

McFaden's team is growing from four advocates to nine under the new partnership, with plans for further expansion. District Attorney Sean Teare said the goal is to eventually reach every community in the county. Language assistance is available for anyone who needs it, McFaden said.

How to reach POET: Call 713-274-0212 or email [email protected]. The Harris County domestic violence services hotline is 713-274-0205. Anyone in immediate danger should call 911.