Domestic Violence in Harris County: Know the Signs, Get Help, Save Lives
In a sobering social media statement on February 3, 2026, Harris County Sheriff Ed Gonzalez shared that in just the last 24 hours, deputies responded to two separate incidents of intimate partner violence—both ending in tragedy. One resulted in serious injuries. The other claimed lives. In both homes, others were present, bearing witness to the pain and trauma left behind.
“Every incident like this reinforces a hard truth: preventing violence before it starts matters,” Sheriff Gonzalez wrote. His message serves as a heartfelt call to action—urging Harris County residents to speak up, seek help, and support one another in moments of fear and vulnerability.
Domestic Violence: A Growing Crisis Across Harris County and the Nation
According to the Texas Council on Family Violence, 228 Texans were killed by intimate partners in 2022 alone—nearly 40 of those deaths occurred in Harris County, making it one of the most impacted counties in the state.
On a national scale, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that 1 in 4 women and 1 in 10 men have experienced contact sexual violence, physical violence, and/or stalking by an intimate partner and reported an intimate partner violence-related impact. The effects aren’t just physical—survivors often carry long-term emotional and psychological wounds.
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Locally, the Harris County District Attorney’s Office has prioritized intimate partner violence cases as some of the most serious and dangerous in the community. Their mission is clear: “To end domestic violence by educating and empowering families, seeking justice on behalf of survivors, and holding abusers accountable.”
Recognizing the Signs: For Victims and Loved Ones
One of the hardest parts of domestic violence is recognizing it—especially when emotional manipulation, isolation, and fear become part of a victim’s daily life. The National Domestic Violence Hotline outlines common warning signs:
For Victims:
- Constant criticism, belittling, or humiliation
- Threats of harm to you, your children, or pets
- Controlling access to money, phones, or transportation
- Extreme jealousy or possessiveness
- Physical harm, or the threat of it, even once
For Loved Ones to Watch For:
- Unexplained injuries or frequent “accidents”
- Withdrawal from friends, family, or social events
- Sudden changes in behavior, clothing, or communication
- Signs of fear around a partner
- Partner speaking or acting in a demeaning, controlling way
Sheriff Gonzalez emphasized the importance of early intervention: “Speaking up early can save lives.”
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Help Is Here: Domestic Violence Resources in Harris County
If you or someone you love is in an unsafe situation, there is help available—right here in our community.
Local organizations providing confidential support and services include:
- Houston Area Women’s Center
- FamilyTime Crisis and Counseling Center
- The Bridge Over Troubled Waters
- Fresh Spirit Wellness for Women
- DAYA (Support for South Asian Families)
- Fort Bend Women’s Center
- Northwest Assistance Ministries
- Katy Christian Ministries
- Harris County Domestic Violence Coordinating Council (HCDVCC)
The Harris County District Attorney’s Office also offers a Domestic Violence Resource Center connecting survivors to legal help, emergency shelter, safety planning, and no-cost protective orders.
How to Get Help
- If you are in immediate danger, call 9-1-1.
- For non-emergency help or concerns, contact the Harris County Sheriff’s Office at 713-221-6000.
Help is not only available—it is compassionate, community-based, and survivor-centered. In the words of Sheriff Gonzalez: “Real safety is built together, through awareness, compassion, and looking out for one another.”
If you see something, say something. If you feel unsafe, reach out. You are not alone—and you never have to be.
Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.
