KIM K. The international community is Houston. Houston is the most diverse city in America, with many foreign embassies and over 115 languages spoken by our residents. Unfortunately, crime can happen to anyone. Anyone visiting, living, or working in Harris County has the right to be treated with dignity, fairness, and respect by law enforcement regardless of citizenship or immigration status. Police and prosecutors want to help you, and by reporting crime, you may prevent others from being victimized by the same criminal. The Harris County District Attorney?s Office is the government agency responsible for prosecuting criminal offenses committed in Harris County. The office is committed to the safety of Houston?s international communities, including all foreign nationals visiting, living, or working in the Greater Houston Area. The Harris County District Attorney?s Office works with Interpretalk to offer translation services in more than 200 languages. Following a crime, they can provide immediate support over the phone for witnesses and crime victims who need to communicate with prosecutors in a language other than English. If you need immediate help, dial 911 on a telephone. Operators are available 24 hours a day to send police, firefighters or an ambulance in an emergency. Translation service is available for non-English speakers. It you already reported a crime, the Harris County District Attorney?s Office offers assistance from coordinators who are committed to helping victims and witnesses navigate the criminal justice process. For help from the Victim Witness Division or to check the status of a case, please contact (713) 274-0250. BEAWARE a WATBHFIJRSCAMS (I A ((901 . i Beware of people who offer i Don?t leave your purse, I something that seems too Keep the door to your home backpack or other items in good to be true; it probably is. or hotel room D0 ?0t view through a car window. Scams can be simple or elaborate. open the door unless you know i Don't stare into your smart phone. Criminals look for people who seem oblivious to Lock your car. When you return A common criminal tactic is their surroundings. who '3 on the other Sid?? Be have your keys ready and enter challenging you to trust them by wary of unexpected your car without delay. giving something of value. THINSS TD CDHSIDER WHEN BUSINESS: - Is the provider of the goods or services licensed by the state? Is the provider registered with the Better Business Bureau or local Chamber of Commerce? riot error were OF A ?l 0 Can the provider give you a list of references? 0 Have you searched the Internet for reviews of products or services? - Does the provider have a local of?ce? 0 Was the provider recommended to you by someone you trust? KIM K. 1166 THE HARRIS DISTRICT PRIITECTS CRIME VICTIMS Special advice for victims of Sexual Assault from the Harris County District Attorney Sexual Assault is any unwanted sexual contact. Victims can be children or adults of all races, ethnicities, genders, and socio?economic status. Victims may be exploited through force, coercion, or trickery. Beware of people who try to establish relationships with you by promising good deals, money, or drugs especially on the internet. Verify facts about people you don't know. What to do if you are a victim of sexual assault: 0 Seek Medical Attention: expect a medical examination in which evidence may be collected. - Dial 911 or go to a police station if you have been sexually assaulted. - Ask for Help: talk to a trusted friend or call the Houston Area Women?s Center Sexual Assault Hotline at (713) 528?7273. Special advice for victims of Domestic Violence from the Harris County District Attorney The District Attorney's Office can help victims of domestic assault. Perpetrators may ve dating partners, family members, or other household members. Victims of domestic violence can get protective orders to keep abusers at a safe distance. A protective order can help stop violent and harassing behavior by an abuser. What to do if you are a victim of domestic violence: - Dial 911 if you experience or witness domestic violence. - Devise a code word or hand signal to let your family, friends, or neighbors know that you need help when in the presence of an abuser. 0 if you believe an argument is about to occur, leave. If not, go to a room where you can use a phone to call for help. - Ask for help: Call Houston Area Women?s Center Domestic Violence Hotline at (713) 528-2121. 0 Plan where you will go if you leave a relationship that involves violence. - Practice how to get out of your home safely by identifying an escape route. - Have a packed bag ready and keep it at the home of a close friend or relative. Tl] CALL FUR HELP: Houston Area Women?s Center Sexual Assault Hotline: (713)528-7273 Houston Area Women?s Center Domestic Violence Hotline: (713) 528-2121 Rape, Abuse, Incest National Network Hotline: (866) 656-4673 National Human Trafficking Hotline: (888) 373-7888 Child Protective Services: (713) 796-3301]