The Links Library provides links to helpful tools, information, brochures, and helplines for victims of crime. Our goal is to connect you to information you may need in order to navigate the criminal justice system, exercise your rights as a victim of crime and access support and assistance. Links are organized by topic. Click on a topic to expand the section and find more information.

Help for Friends and Family - National Domestic Violence Hotline

Are you concerned that someone you care about is experiencing abuse?

Help Series: Child Abuse (For Youth Ages 12 and Older) - Office for Victims of Crime

Office for Victims of Crime Help Series brochure regarding Child Abuse, targeted for youth 12+.

Help Series: What Adults Need to Know About Child Abuse - Office for Victims of Crime

Office for Victims of Crime Help Series brochure regarding child abuse, targeted for adults.

Is this Abuse? - National Domestic Violence Hotline

Learn more about power, control, and the warning signs of the many different types of abuse.

Myths and Facts About Male Sexual Abuse and Assault

Serves family members, friends, partners, and service providers by providing information and support resources on the web and in the community.

Crime Victims' Compensation - Before you Apply

If you or your immediate family have financial costs because of a crime, the Crime Victims' Compensation (CVC) Program may be able to help. Learn how to apply.

Crime Victims' Compensation Downloadable Application

Downloadable and fillable PDF application form

Crime Victims' Compensation Downloadable Application (Spanish)

Downloadable and fillable PDF application form

Crime Victims' Compensation Other Forms and Publications

The Crime Victims Compensation (CVC) Program helps crime victims and their immediate families with the financial costs of crime. CVC cover crime-related costs such as counseling, medical treatment, funerals, and loss of income not paid by other sources. Forms and brochures can be found here to assist you further.

Crime Victims' Compensation Portal Login

The Crime Victims' Compensation (CVC) Program portal is the online tool for victims, claimants, and victim service professionals to access applications and claim information for CVC, Emergency Medical Care Compensation , and Sexual Assault Exam Reimbursements.

Address Confidentiality Program Application Form

Downloadable and fillable PDF application form.

Address Confidentiality Program Overview

Description and eligibility for Texas Attorney General Address Confidentiality Program for victims of family violence, sexual assault, human trafficking, or stalking.

Address Confidentiality Program Supplemental Form

Supplemental form to ACP application

After Sexual Assault

After sexual assault, it’s hard to know how to react. You may be physically hurt, emotionally drained, or unsure what to do next. You may be considering working with the criminal justice system, but are unsure of where to start. Learning more about what steps you can take following sexual violence can help ground you in a difficult time.

Assisted Pro Se Services - Texas Advocacy Project

The Project's Assisted Pro Se (APS) service helps you if you are not able to access traditional legal services. “Pro Se” simply means to act on one’s own behalf. APS services include helping you prepare legal documents for divorces, protective orders, modifications, general legal advice, and related matters. And our APS services are always free.

Domestic Violence Crisis Center - Domestic Violence Safety Plan

These are possible steps victims/survivors can take to increase their safety. A safety plan is a plan to reduce risk when faced with the threat of harm or actual harm. Safety plans will change as situations change. Everyone’s safety plans will be different based on their unique risks and rewards.

Domestic Violence Statistics - National Domestic Violence Hotline

24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year, the National Domestic Violence Hotline provides essential tools and support to help survivors of domestic violence so they can live their lives free of abuse.

Gay Men's Domestic Violence Project Hotline

Gay Men’s Domestic Violence Project provides crisis intervention, support and resources for victims and survivors of domestic abuse.

Healthy Relationships - National Domestic Violence Hotline

Learn more about the different aspects of healthy relationships by exploring the pages in this section.

Help for Friends and Family - National Domestic Violence Hotline

Are you concerned that someone you care about is experiencing abuse?

Help Series: Domestic Violence - Office for Victims of Crime

Office for Victims of Crime Help Series brochure regarding domestic violence.

Is this Abuse? - National Domestic Violence Hotline

Learn more about power, control, and the warning signs of the many different types of abuse.

Love is Respect

Love is Respect is the ultimate resource to empower youth to prevent and end dating abuse. It is a project of the National Domestic Violence Hotline.

National Domestic Violence Hotline

National Domestic Violence Hotline center available 24/7/365 to talk confidentially with anyone experiencing domestic violence, seeking resources or information, or questioning unhealthy aspects of their relationship.

National Domestic Violence Hotline - Plan for Safety

You are not alone. You are never to blame for the abusive actions of others. While responsibility for ending abusive behavior is your partner’s and theirs alone, there are several steps you can take to protect yourself on your path to long-term safety.

National Domestic Violence Hotline Downloadable Awareness Materials

The educational and training materials on this page are available for you to download and print.

Teen Dating Abuse Statistics - Love is Respect

Parents are very often the first to see the signs of dating violence in their teens. Very often, however, the do not realize that they are seeing signs of dating violence. And, parents have a hard time knowing what to say or how to say it or how to get their teens help.

Texas Advocacy Project Legal Helpline

Texas Advocacy Project’s mission is to empower the public and survivors of domestic and dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking in Texas through free legal services, access to the justice system, and education and prevention. Our attorneys, staff, volunteers, and Board of Directors are committed to advancing our vision that all Texans live safely in hope, not fear of abuse.

Texas Advocacy Project Online Application for Services

One of biggest barriers to leaving an abusive situation and living free from fear is financial stability. This is especially true if you have children or others who depend on you.

Texas Attorney General Family Violence Brochure

If you are being hurt by someone you love, consider steps that could increase safety for you and your children.

Texas Council on Family Violence - Personalized Safety Plan

Consider keeping a copy of this document to help you remember safety steps you have outlined, but take care to keep it in a safe place where your partner is not likely to find it. If your partner becomes aware of this information, create a new safety plan.

Texas Council on Family Violence - Texas State Plan

The goal of the Texas State Plan is to create a detailed inventory of available family violence services in the state, as well as identify in availability of service, and emerging issues with a focus on the self-identified needs of survivors.

Warning Signs of Abuse - Love is Respect

Live is Respect is the national resource to disrupt and prevent unhealthy relationships and intimate partner violence by empowering young people through inclusive and equitable education, support, and resources.

BBB Scam Tracker

Report business scams to the Better Business Bureau.

Identity Theft: A Recovery Plan

A detailed plan by the Federal Trade Commission to help you fix problems caused by identity theft.

Taking Action: Helping Financial Fraud Victims

An Advocate's Guide to Assisting Victims of Financial Fraud.

Taking Action: Identity Theft

Take immediate steps to stop and repair the damage caused by identity theft.

Taking Action: Investment Fraud

Investment Fraud Victim Recovery Checklist.

Tax Fraud

Report fraudulent IRS tax collection activity to the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration.

Address Confidentiality Program Application Form

Downloadable and fillable PDF application form.

Address Confidentiality Program Overview

Description and eligibility for Texas Attorney General Address Confidentiality Program for victims of family violence, sexual assault, human trafficking, or stalking.

Address Confidentiality Program Supplemental Form

Supplemental form to ACP application

Assisted Pro Se Services - Texas Advocacy Project

The Project's Assisted Pro Se (APS) service helps you if you are not able to access traditional legal services. “Pro Se” simply means to act on one’s own behalf. APS services include helping you prepare legal documents for divorces, protective orders, modifications, general legal advice, and related matters. And our APS services are always free.

Civil Attorney Referral Request Form

The National Crime Victim Bar Association maintains a nationwide network of attorneys who are dedicated to helping victims of crime rebuild their lives through the Civil Justice system. If you are the victim of a crime and are interested in receiving a referral for a civil attorney, please follow the link to complete the form.

Crime Victims' Compensation Other Forms and Publications

The Crime Victims Compensation (CVC) Program helps crime victims and their immediate families with the financial costs of crime. CVC cover crime-related costs such as counseling, medical treatment, funerals, and loss of income not paid by other sources. Forms and brochures can be found here to assist you further.

National Center for Victims of Crime

National resource and advocacy organization for crime victims and those who serve them.

National Crime Victim Law Institute - Crime Victims' Rights Toolkit

Victims' rights are rights personally held by the victim that can be legally asserted during the criminal case. In this Toolkit are the tools that will help practitioners effectively assert and seek enforcement of their clients' rights. The Toolkit has three parts: Pretrial, Trial, Post-Trial.

National Crime Victims’ Rights Week

National Crime Victims’ Rights Week

Office for Victims of Crime

US DOJ Office for Victims of Crime, provides resources for victims of crime and victim services professionals.

Office for Victims of Crime - Directory of Crime Victim Services

The Directory of Crime Victim Services helps users locate victim services in the United States and other countries.

Victim Connect Resource Center

The VictimConnect Resource Center is a referral helpline where crime victims can learn about their rights and options confidentially and compassionately.

1in6- Weekly Online Support Groups for Men

Free and anonymous chat-based support groups for male survivors of sexual abuse or assault who are seeking a community of support. Each group meets weekly and is facilitated by a counselor.

Domestic Violence Statistics - National Domestic Violence Hotline

24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year, the National Domestic Violence Hotline provides essential tools and support to help survivors of domestic violence so they can live their lives free of abuse.

Gay Men's Domestic Violence Project Hotline

Gay Men’s Domestic Violence Project provides crisis intervention, support and resources for victims and survivors of domestic abuse.

Help for Friends and Family - National Domestic Violence Hotline

Are you concerned that someone you care about is experiencing abuse?

Lambda Legal

Lambda Legal, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, is a national organization committed to achieving full recognition of the civil rights of lesbians, gay men, bisexuals, transgender people and everyone living with HIV through impact litigation, education and public policy work.

Lambda Legal Help Desk

Lambda Legal's Help desk provides information and resources relating to discrimination based on sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression, and HIV status.

Lambda Legal Know Your Rights

Lambda Legal Know Your Rights, provides information on your rights at the local, state and federal levels to improve the lives of the LGBT people, people affected by HIV, and their families and allies

LGBT National Help Center

Serving gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgernder & questioning people by providing free & confidential peer-support and local resources

Love is Respect

Love is Respect is the ultimate resource to empower youth to prevent and end dating abuse. It is a project of the National Domestic Violence Hotline.

The Anti-Violence Project

AVP empowers lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and HIV-affected communities and allies to end all forms of violence through organizing and education, and support survivors through counseling and advocacy

Transgender Victims of Sexual Assault

Providing specific guidance for sexual assault service providers and advocates, law enforcement officers, medical and mental health care providers, and support group facilitators. Provides tools to promote understanding and support of transgender victims.

Address Confidentiality Program Application Form

Downloadable and fillable PDF application form.

Address Confidentiality Program Overview

Description and eligibility for Texas Attorney General Address Confidentiality Program for victims of family violence, sexual assault, human trafficking, or stalking.

Assisted Pro Se Services - Texas Advocacy Project

The Project's Assisted Pro Se (APS) service helps you if you are not able to access traditional legal services. “Pro Se” simply means to act on one’s own behalf. APS services include helping you prepare legal documents for divorces, protective orders, modifications, general legal advice, and related matters. And our APS services are always free.

Assisted Pro Se Services - Texas Advocacy Project

The Project's Assisted Pro Se (APS) service helps you if you are not able to access traditional legal services. “Pro Se” simply means to act on one’s own behalf. APS services include helping you prepare legal documents for divorces, protective orders, modifications, general legal advice, and related matters. And our APS services are always free.

Domestic Violence Crisis Center - Domestic Violence Safety Plan

These are possible steps victims/survivors can take to increase their safety. A safety plan is a plan to reduce risk when faced with the threat of harm or actual harm. Safety plans will change as situations change. Everyone’s safety plans will be different based on their unique risks and rewards.

Domestic Violence Statistics - National Domestic Violence Hotline

24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year, the National Domestic Violence Hotline provides essential tools and support to help survivors of domestic violence so they can live their lives free of abuse.

Help for Friends and Family - National Domestic Violence Hotline

Are you concerned that someone you care about is experiencing abuse?

Texas Advocacy Project Online Application for Services

One of biggest barriers to leaving an abusive situation and living free from fear is financial stability. This is especially true if you have children or others who depend on you.

Texas Advocacy Project Safety Plan

A Personal Safety Plan covers basic things you need to think about in order to stay safe and get out of a dangerous, abusive situation. The following form helps you create a safety plan for yourself and your children.

Texas Council on Family Violence - Personalized Safety Plan

Consider keeping a copy of this document to help you remember safety steps you have outlined, but take care to keep it in a safe place where your partner is not likely to find it. If your partner becomes aware of this information, create a new safety plan.

1in6- Weekly Online Support Groups for Men

Free and anonymous chat-based support groups for male survivors of sexual abuse or assault who are seeking a community of support. Each group meets weekly and is facilitated by a counselor.

About Sexual Assault - Rape, Abuse, and Incest National Network (RAINN)

Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN) is the nation's largest anti-sexual violence organization. RAINN created and operates the National Sexual Assault Hotline 800.656.HOPE

Address Confidentiality Program Application Form

Downloadable and fillable PDF application form.

Address Confidentiality Program Overview

Description and eligibility for Texas Attorney General Address Confidentiality Program for victims of family violence, sexual assault, human trafficking, or stalking.

After Sexual Assault

After sexual assault, it’s hard to know how to react. You may be physically hurt, emotionally drained, or unsure what to do next. You may be considering working with the criminal justice system, but are unsure of where to start. Learning more about what steps you can take following sexual violence can help ground you in a difficult time.

Assisted Pro Se Services - Texas Advocacy Project

The Project's Assisted Pro Se (APS) service helps you if you are not able to access traditional legal services. “Pro Se” simply means to act on one’s own behalf. APS services include helping you prepare legal documents for divorces, protective orders, modifications, general legal advice, and related matters. And our APS services are always free.

Crime Victims' Compensation Other Forms and Publications

The Crime Victims Compensation (CVC) Program helps crime victims and their immediate families with the financial costs of crime. CVC cover crime-related costs such as counseling, medical treatment, funerals, and loss of income not paid by other sources. Forms and brochures can be found here to assist you further.

Help Series: Sexual Violence - Office for Victims of Crime

Office for Victims of Crime Help Series brochure regarding sexual violence.

Myths and Facts About Male Sexual Abuse and Assault

Serves family members, friends, partners, and service providers by providing information and support resources on the web and in the community.

National Sexual Assault Hotline

Anti-sexual violence organization offering support, information, advice, or a referral.

National Sexual Assault Online Hotline

Online chat with a trained support specialist. Whether you’re looking for support, information, advice, or a referral, our trained support specialists are ready to help.

Safety Support for Parents

Child sexual abuse is a challenging topic to discuss. It can be even more difficult when you’re talking about protecting your own children. Parents can take steps to keep their children safe and give them the tools to speak up when something isn’t right.

Sexual Assault Warning Signs

It’s not always obvious when someone you care about has been affected by sexual violence. Learning the warning signs for children, teens, and college-age adults can help you know when to act.

Texas Council on Family Violence - Personalized Safety Plan

Consider keeping a copy of this document to help you remember safety steps you have outlined, but take care to keep it in a safe place where your partner is not likely to find it. If your partner becomes aware of this information, create a new safety plan.

Address Confidentiality Program Application Form

Downloadable and fillable PDF application form.

Address Confidentiality Program Overview

Description and eligibility for Texas Attorney General Address Confidentiality Program for victims of family violence, sexual assault, human trafficking, or stalking.

Address Confidentiality Program Supplemental Form

Supplemental form to ACP application

Assisted Pro Se Services - Texas Advocacy Project

The Project's Assisted Pro Se (APS) service helps you if you are not able to access traditional legal services. “Pro Se” simply means to act on one’s own behalf. APS services include helping you prepare legal documents for divorces, protective orders, modifications, general legal advice, and related matters. And our APS services are always free.

Help Series: Stalking - Office for Victims of Crime

Office for Victims of Crime Help Series brochure regarding stalking.

National Center for Victims of Crime - Stalking Resource Center

The mission of the Stalking Resource Center is to enhance the ability of professionals, organizations, and systems to effectively respond to stalking.

Signs of Stalking

Provides support, prevent violence, prevent violence and promote justice for victims of crime and abuse, their families and communities.

Social Media Safety

What you choose to share on social media is always your decision, but what others choose to do with your information may not always be in your control. Consider taking the following personal safety precautions with these social media safety tips.

Stalking - Rape, Abuse, and Incest National Network (RAINN)

When you learn more about stalking behaviors, you're more likely to notice them before they escalate, and you can take steps to protect yourself. If you discover that you are being currently being stalked—either in-person, online, or via technology—it can be unsettling and even dangerous. Consider taking steps to protect yourself or involve an authority figure who can help you.

Stop the Stalker - Safe Horizon

Safe Horizon, formerly the Victim Services Agency, is the largest victim services nonprofit organization in the United States, providing social services for victims of abuse and violent crime

Tech & Cyber Safety - Safe Horizon

If you are experiencing domestic violence or stalking, it is important to be aware of the risks and benefits of using technology. Safe Horizon’s online safety tips for victims of crime, abuse, domestic violence and stalking can help you decide what cyber safety measure is best for your situation.

Using Technology to Hurt Others

Some people use technology—such as photos, videos, social media, and dating apps—to engage in harassing, unsolicited, or non-consensual sexual interactions. It can leave the person on the other end feeling manipulated, unsafe, exposed, and worried about their online reputation. The laws pertaining to these situations vary from state to state and platform to platform and they are evolving rapidly. Learn more about these situations so you can feel better prepared to report and protect yourself if they happen.

Self-Harm Prevention and Alternatives

Finding coping techniques or finding other outlets can help in times a person feels the need to cut. This is a list of ideas to focus on instead of self-harming.

Self-Harm Safety Plan

This is a personal safety plan you can work on as a way to cope when you are having thoughts of suicide or self-harm. You can print it out, or write your ideas on a piece of paper, then place it in a safe place you will remember. If you are beginning to feel that you are having thoughts of harming yourself or suicide you read what you have written now, and it may help in a time of need.

Southern California Sunrise Recovery Center

Dedicated to raising awareness and prevention on mental health issues. We understand the significance of self-harm and the importance for peers and families to recognize if a loved one is struggling.

Crime Victims' Compensation Downloadable Application

Downloadable and fillable PDF application form

Crime Victims' Compensation Downloadable Application (Spanish)

Downloadable and fillable PDF application form

Crime Victims' Compensation Other Forms and Publications

The Crime Victims Compensation (CVC) Program helps crime victims and their immediate families with the financial costs of crime. CVC cover crime-related costs such as counseling, medical treatment, funerals, and loss of income not paid by other sources. Forms and brochures can be found here to assist you further.

Crime Victims' Compensation Portal Login

The Crime Victims' Compensation (CVC) Program portal is the online tool for victims, claimants, and victim service professionals to access applications and claim information for CVC, Emergency Medical Care Compensation , and Sexual Assault Exam Reimbursements.

Help Series: Homicide - Office for Victims of Crime

Office for Victims of Crime Help Series brochure regarding homicide.

Helping Kids Grieve - Sesame Street

Coping with the death of a loved one brings enormous challenges for the whole family. Grieving may never completely end, but working through the difficult feelings can become easier with time. Through support, open conversations, and finding ways to keep the person’s memory alive, families can begin healing together.

Homicide and Grief

The immediate time following a death, your grief can become overwhelming. Many of these thoughts and feelings you might experience are normal. At times, it might feel like too much to handle and as if your grief will never stop. Here are some things to know about how grief can be helpful.

National Mass Violence Victimization Resource Center (NMVVRC)

The National Mass Violence Victimization Resource Center serves as the source for best evidence to achieve a social understanding of mass violence upon which civic leaders, mental health professionals, journalists, policy makers, and victim assistance professionals can rely.

Survivors of Homicide Victims - Parents of Murdered Children

Parents of Murdered Children (POMC) provides the on-going emotional support needed to help parents and other survivors facilitate the reconstruction of a "new life" and to promote a healthy resolution. Not only does POMC help survivors deal with their acute grief but also helps with the criminal justice system.

Links in this library come from non-profit or governmental agencies. If you would like to suggest a link to a resource that would be helpful for victims of crime, please email us at tdcj.clearinghouse@tdcj.texas.gov.