Harris County officials have launched a Family Violence Co-Response Team to protect survivors and pursue people wanted for violent offenses. The pilot combines law enforcement, victim advocacy and risk assessment services in Precinct 4.
Commissioner Lesley Briones announced the initiative with Sheriff Ed Gonzalez on Oct. 2, marking the beginning of Domestic Violence Awareness Month. The Harris County Domestic Violence Coordinating Council is also participating in the program.
Family Violence Co-Response Team Begins Operations
The new team will focus on outstanding warrants involving family violence, sexual assault and other violent crimes. It will also connect survivors with safety planning, emergency shelter and continuing support.
The pilot begins operations this month in Precinct 4. County officials said family violence represents the largest share of Harris County Sheriff’s Office calls in the precinct’s unincorporated areas.
Harris County law enforcement agencies receive more than 40,000 domestic violence-related calls each year, according to county officials. Family violence also accounts for about 30% of homicides in the county.
“I have seen the far-reaching impact of domestic violence firsthand,” Briones said. She cited her experiences as a teacher and her legal aid work during law school.
Briones said ending the cycle requires agencies to work together. She added that the effort must hold offenders accountable, protect survivors and help families rebuild.
Three Harris County Programs Join Forces
The Family Violence Co-Response Team brings three existing programs together for the first time.
The Violent Persons Warrants Task Force, known as VIPER, will lead efforts to clear outstanding family violence warrants connected to Precinct 4 residents.
After officers serve a warrant, the Sheriff’s Mobile Advocacy Response Team, or SMART, will contact the survivor and family. Advocates can provide immediate safety planning, shelter referrals and continuing assistance.
Officials will refer high-risk cases to the Domestic Violence High-Risk Team. The Harris County Domestic Violence Coordinating Council operates that program.
The High-Risk Team uses a validated assessment to identify cases with an elevated risk of serious or deadly violence. It then coordinates with law enforcement, prosecutors and survivor service organizations to monitor those cases.
Sheriff Gonzalez said the new approach will help survivors receive resources beyond the initial emergency.
“This is a huge step towards equipping victims and survivors with the long-term resources they need,” Gonzalez said. He added that the goal is to help survivors escape abuse and rebuild healthy lives.
Officials Emphasize Coordinated Support
Alicia Nuzzie, director of the county’s Domestic Violence High-Risk Team, said complex family violence cases require a coordinated response.
“We’re coming together in a way that is not a one-size-fits-all kind of approach,” Nuzzie said. “We are working together in a way that enhances a person’s safety.”
Mary McFaden, chief of the Harris County District Attorney’s Office Domestic Violence Bureau, thanked Commissioners Court for funding the pilot.
McFaden said officials hope the program can eventually expand across Harris County. She also stressed that the criminal justice system and domestic violence organizations cannot end the cycle alone.
“It requires all of us to come together, so that we stop the cycle of violence,” McFaden said.
Harris County Invests $4.15 Million in Pilot
Harris County will provide $2.75 million in annual funding for the program. It will also make a one-time investment of $1.4 million, bringing the first-year total to $4.15 million.
The Fiscal Year 2027 county budget includes other investments related to domestic violence prevention and public safety.
Harris County allocated $4.8 million to the Domestic Violence Assistance Fund. The funding helps survivors cover urgent expenses, including housing, transportation, child care and utilities.
Another $1.7 million will support the District Attorney’s Office Domestic Violence Bureau. Officials said the funding will expand access to protective orders and victim services.
The county also allocated $2.5 million to expand the Holistic Assistance Response Team and Relentless Interrupters Serving Everyone programs. Those initiatives provide community-based violence prevention and alternative responses to certain nonviolent 911 calls.
Anyone experiencing domestic violence can call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 or text START to 88788. The service offers confidential assistance and can connect survivors with local resources.