The Austin/Travis County Family Violence Task Force (A/TCFVTF) was created in 1989 to improve the criminal justice system’s response to family violence.
We promote communication among advocates, law enforcement, and other government agencies. We focus on identifying and implementing improvements in the system’s response to domestic violence and sexual assault.
On This Page
Organizational Background
The Austin/Travis County Family Violence Task Force (FVTF) was created in 1989 by the concerned members of the community in an effort to improve the criminal justice system’s response to family violence by increasing communication among advocates, law enforcement and prosecution.
At that time, an in-house study was done by the Austin Police Department which confirmed that many families in our community rely on the criminal justice system for help.
Since our inception, we have found that increased communication among partner agencies is imperative to the families we serve. This coordinated community response has resulted in numerous initiatives, most notably a specialized family violence court established in 1999. The FVTF, which has since expanded to include many other community partners, is a voluntary community endeavor whose members meet monthly. The FVTF is open to anyone interested in the prevention of family violence.
Today the Task Force helps identify and implement improvements in system response to domestic violence and sexual assault through education and policy development. The FVTF is overseen by the Governance Committee, which is comprised of the Chairs and key stakeholders of the various committees.
Task Force Goals
The long-term goals of the FVTF are:
- Promote cooperation, coordination, and communication concerning family violence among law enforcement, courts, prosecutors, service providers and other stakeholders in Austin/Travis County.
- Engage the broader community in responding to and preventing family violence.
- Create safe environments for women, children and all community members.
- Ensure systems are in place to hold people who use violence accountable.
- Promote attitudes and behaviors that support safe and healthy relationships.
Mission & Vision
Mission Statement
The mission of the Austin/Travis County Family Violence Task Force is to reduce and prevent family violence and promote safety through a coordinated community response.
Vision
Austin/Travis County is a safe community where family relationships are equitable, respectful and non-violent.
Task Force Members
The A/TCFVTF consists of volunteers from across multiple disciplines. The range includes individuals who work in the justice system, to those who work in community-based groups and nonprofits. Task Force members work together to plan and provide a coordinated approach to family violence issues in Travis County.
Committees
| Committee | Name | Organization |
| Governance | Kirsha Haverlah | Travis County Counseling & Education Services |
| Public Awareness | Elizabeth Whited | Travis County Attorney’s Office – Family Violence Director |
| Youth Issues | Dr. Lerla Davis | SAFE Alliance – Manor Collaborative |
| Policy | Shelli Egger | Texas Legal Services Center (TLSC) |
| Family Violence Supervisors | Lauren Cisneros | Travis County Attorney’s Office |
| Men as Allies | Carlos B. Lopez | Travis County Constable – Precinct 5 |
| Battering Intervention and Prevention Programs (BIPP) Executive Committee | Dawn Tannous | Travis County Community Justice Services (TCCJS) - Adult Probation |
| Firearms Forfeiture Committee | Shelli Egger | Texas Legal Services Center (TLSC) |
Related Committees
| Committee | Name | Organization |
| Domestic Violence High Risk Team | Coordinator, Ericka Martinez Flores | Travis County Attorney’s Office |
| Domestic Violence High Risk | Kat Schaal | Travis County District Attorney’s Office |
| Fatality Review Team | Julie Sweeney | Travis County District Attorney’s Office |
