HOUSTON – We continue to raise awareness about Domestic Violence this month, sharing the stories of survivors and speaking to law enforcement about how they handle these cases.
On Monday we focused on Harris County, speaking with District Attorney Kim Ogg. She spoke one-on-one with KPRC 2′s Re’Chelle Turner.
The pair spent nearly 20 minutes discussing the challenges and realities of domestic violence. It’s not an easy topic to talk about, but it’s one that District Attorney Ogg feels is crucial to address.
Backlogged Cases and the Court System
Ogg says domestic violence is the most frequently filed crime in Harris County, with over 16,000 cases currently pending.
“Think about that—a whole town of people with charges for battering their domestic partner,” she said.
One of the key challenges Ogg highlighted is the backlog of cases, which leads to delays that can cause additional trauma for victims.
“We need more cops, we need more prosecutors, and we need to get these cases in front of courts quicker,” Ogg explained. “The dockets are still backlogged. These cases are not prioritized, and many times that delay causes additional trauma to the victims who are having trouble anyway escaping their abusers.”
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Another significant issue is the high number of domestic violence cases that judges dismiss. Over the past decade, Ogg said that around 5,000 cases have been thrown out.
“They don’t have to say why, and it makes it tough on law enforcement to get those cases refiled,” she said.
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This challenge makes it harder for victims to pursue justice, as well as for law enforcement to follow up on serious cases where an arrest is necessary.
Prioritizing High-Risk Offenders
Ogg’s office has also worked closely with law enforcement to prioritize high-risk offenders, particularly those who engage in strangulation or use weapons.
“We know people who draw weapons, pull a knife on their partner—that’s a higher risk. And those who continue to make threats of retaliation,” she said. “Law enforcement officers in areas like Pasadena are now trained to take these warning signs seriously and act quickly. Police now are trained… these are folks we don’t want to fool around with. Let’s make that arrest. Let’s get that case filed.”
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Strangulation, or “impeding breath,” is one of the clearest indicators of a high-risk offender.
Ogg explained the dangers of such cases: “We find that individuals who do that pose a greater threat to their partner than somebody who’s emotionally abusive or even someone who strikes you. It’s also more dangerous for police to arrest those types of individuals.”
Ogg emphasized that domestic violence is often a “predictable crime,” and as such, it is also preventable.
“For everybody interested in making this world a better place, look at your own life, look at your friends and family, and if you see something, say something,” she said.
Preventing Domestic Violence
Ogg stressed the importance of identifying and addressing domestic violence early to prevent more severe consequences. “When it’s a predictable crime, it’s a preventable crime,” she said, urging the public to be aware of the warning signs and to intervene when necessary.
For offenders, Ogg mentioned the availability of intervention programs aimed at helping them control their anger. However, she acknowledged that court intervention is often needed to ensure participation in these programs.
“There are programs available for people who cannot control their anger, but often, it requires police or court intervention to make them go,” Ogg noted.
Resources for Victims
Despite the challenges, Ogg reiterated her office’s commitment to protecting victims, ensuring that everyone—regardless of ethnicity or immigration status—has access to support.
“No one has the right to take anger out through violence on you,” she said, underscoring that translation services and culturally sensitive support are available for those in need.
Organizations such as the Houston Area Women’s Center, Family Time in Humble, and The Bridge Over Troubled Waters in Pasadena offer assistance for victims of domestic violence, helping them to escape dangerous situations and begin rebuilding their lives.