Harris County District Attorney Sean Teare and Harris County Attorney Abbie Kamin have announced a nine member team of social workers and administrators to help domestic violence survivors across the county file protective orders, Community Impact reports. The Protective Order Extended Team, or POET, launched October 2 during Domestic Violence Awareness Month.
Survivors reach the team through referral agencies, by phone or by email. An advocate conducts a preliminary interview and safety assessment, helps file the protective order paperwork, and represents the survivor in court at no cost. The outlet reports the service is available regardless of background, immigration status or involvement with law enforcement. Four of the advocate positions are funded through $7.5 million approved by Harris County Commissioners Court in 2025, and the County Attorney’s Office is funding five more.
Harris County recorded 26 intimate partner violence homicides in 2025, and the outlet reports that close to a third of all homicides in the county are related to domestic violence. The team can be reached at 713-274-0212.
This is countywide, so it covers Humble, Kingwood, Atascocita, Huffman, Summerwood and Fall Creek.
