Victim Services

Together for a Safer, Stronger El Paso

The Victims Services Response Team (VSRT) provides immediate, efficient, and compassionate service to crime victims in an effort to mitigate the damage done by criminals. To provide assistance to victims, including benefits such as, Texas Crime Victims Compensation and referral to local community agencies.

How Can VSRT Help You?

VSRT provides assistance to victims of crime by explaining the application process for Protection Orders, referrals to appropriate agencies to ensure that victim’s needs are met, acts as a liaison between the victim and the law enforcement/criminal justice system to ensure proper response to help the safeguard the victim’s rights, and assists with the application for the Texas Crime Victim’s Compensation Program.

Learn more about VSRT

Keep Yourself Safe During an Incident

Use good judgment and trust your instincts. If the situation is very dangerous, consider giving the abuser what he/she wants to calm him/her down. You have the right to protect yourself until you are out of danger.

  • If an argument seems unavoidable, try to have it in a room or area that has access to an exit and not in the bathroom, kitchen, or anywhere near weapons.
  • Practice how to get out of your home safely. Identify which doors, windows, elevator, or stairwell would be best.
  • Have a packed bag ready and keep it in a hidden place.
  • Identify a neighbor you can call about the violence and ask that they call the police if they hear a disturbance coming from your home.
  • Devise a code word to use with your children, family, friends, and neighbors when you need to have them call the police.
  • Devise a plan of where you will go if you have to leave home (even if you don’t think you will need to).

Victim Services Response Teams

You may contact us at any of the numbers below:

Headquarters (915) 212-4011
Central (915) 212-4606
Mission Valley (915) 212-8376
Northeast (915) 212-8198
Pebble Hills (915) 212-4665
Westside (915) 212-8510

Financial Assistance for Crime Victims

The VSRT unit assists crime victims with completing and submitting Texas Crime Victims’ Compensation (CVC) applications. If approved, the program may help cover eligible crime-related expenses such as medical care, counseling, lost wages, and relocation.

Find More Information

Planning For Your Personal Safety

A safety plan is more than just a checklist, it’s a personalized and practical guide designed to help you stay safe in different stages of an abusive relationship. Whether you are currently experiencing abuse, preparing to leave, or adjusting to life after leaving, a safety plan can provide structure, confidence, and security in uncertain moments.

This interactive safety planning tool walks you through a series of thoughtful questions to help you reflect on your unique situation. By answering these questions, survivors can explore options, consider possible risks, and identify strategies that fit their needs. The tool covers different areas of safety, such as at home, at work, with children, online, and in public, so that every aspect of your life is taken into account.

The end result is a safety plan tailored to you. It equips you with steps you can take right now, as well as strategies to rely on in case of emergencies. While no one can predict every circumstance, having a plan in place can reduce risks, increase safety, and offer peace of mind.

  1. Know Your Essentials – Keep important items ready (keys, ID, money, meds).
  2. Plan Safe Exits – Identify safe places and quick ways to leave home.
  3. Stay Safe at Work/School – Share your plan with someone you trust there.
  4. Protect Your Privacy – Secure devices, accounts, and passwords.
  5. Handle Interactions Carefully – Use safe spaces, code words, or trusted people.
  6. Plan for Children – Teach them who to call, where to go, and safety signals.
  7. Build Support – Keep trusted contacts and emergency numbers handy.
Start Your Plan