barriers survivors face, such as having limited access to service in downtown and protocols they must face before speaking with an expert.  What we're trying to do through POET is get rid of the barriers we know exist...we're going to be in communities at neutral locations and domestic violence provider buildings saying to survivors, 'We're here for you.' 

While domestic violence-related homicides declined statewide from 2023 to 2024, Harris County's rose 34%. Kamin also said about one-third of homicides in the county have a connection to domestic violence.

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 Protective orders are the tool to keep abusers away when someone has experienced violence or stalking or sexual abuse,  Kamin said.  And the type of restrictions that are included are critical to saving lives. 

Harris County District Attorney Sean Teare said there are plans to grow the program over the next few years  to be able to service every single community in this vast county. 

 Right now, we have people in Harris County that are more scared of the federal government that the person that is abusing them in their own home every day,  Teare said.  With POET and with the actions of our county attorney, our office and these incredible advocates, we are going to help people that are too scared to involve traditional needs. 

Recently, advocates said federal immigration enforcement has heightened fears among some immigrant survivors that reporting abuse could expose them or their families to detention or deportation, discouraging them from seeking help.

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There will be advocates that can assist anyone with language barriers, McFaden said.