FAQs
Do I need an appointment?
Do I have to pay for parking?
May I bring my children with me to the Albuquerque Family Advocacy Center?
May I bring a friend with me for support?
Can I get a protective order at the Albuquerque Family Advocacy Center?
How long will it take to get the application for the protective order ready?
Will it cost me to obtain legal services?
How far are the courthouses from the Albuquerque Family Advocacy Center?
What if I speak another language?
Can I meet with the attorney handling my criminal case?
Can I meet with the detective handling my case?
If I get a ride to the Albuquerque Family Advocacy Center, can you help me with transportation?
Can you help me find out the status of my criminal case?
What are your hours?
HOLIDAYS, days we are closed.
Do I need an appointment?
No. While appointments are recommended, no appointment is necessary. All you need to do is go to the Albuquerque Family Advocacy Center. Please go to the second floor and walk up to the window. The center's trained staff will assist you in obtaining the services you need.
Where do I park?
There are some free parking spaces available in lot on the southeast corner at Gold and 6th Street, and meter parking is available during the day in the surrounding area. The requirement to pay for meter parking in the area expires after 6:00 p.m. and remains free until 8:00 a.m. In addition, the City's free D-Ride Downtown bus service is available, with a stop one block west on 5th Street, between Silver and Gold.
May I bring my children with me to the Albuquerque Family Advocacy Center?
Yes. Children are welcome. The center has designed waiting rooms just for children. They will have access to coloring books, toys, videos, computer games, stuffed animals, and much more.
May I bring a friend with me for support?
Yes. You may bring a friend with you. However, when you talk to a professional, you will be interviewed in one of the facility's family rooms, specially designed for your comfort. Your friend will likely be asked to wait for you in another waiting area.
Can I get a protective order at the Albuquerque Family Advocacy Center?
Yes, you can get a temporary restraining order and fill out the application for a Domestic Violence Order of Protection at the AFAC. Victim's Assistance staff will be available to assist with this process and answer questions. You will be able to walk out with a temporary restraining order during regular AFAC business hours.
How long will it take to get the application for the protective order ready?
Every case is different. It takes a total of one to three hours to fill out the protective order application, get it processed and then approved by one of the special commissioners from the Domestic Violence Division within District Court.
Will it cost me to obtain AFAC services?
No. Victims of domestic violence do not pay for any service provided at the Albuquerque Family Advocacy Center.
How far are the courthouses from the Albuquerque Family Advocacy Center?
The City's free D-Ride Downtown bus service is available, with stops near the Metropolitan Courthouse, District Courthouse and Federal Courthouse.
What if I speak another language?
The center also can make arrangements to have interpreters available to assist you.
Can I meet with the attorney handling my criminal case?
Yes, representatives from the District Attorney's Office are available to discuss issues involving your case. In addition, attorneys from Legal Aide are available to provide assistance on any civil matters relating to victims who visit the AFAC. Because the center's attorneys are frequently in court, appointments are highly encouraged.
Can I meet with the detective handling my case?
Yes, however, because detectives may be out in the field or investigating other cases, appointments are highly encouraged. Please call the AFAC at 505-243-2333 to schedule an appointment with the Detective handling your case.
If I get a ride to the Albuquerque Family Advocacy Center, can you help me with transportation?
Transportation can be provided in most instances. Please call the AFAC at 505-243-2333 for more information.
Can you help me find out the status of my criminal case?
Yes. Staff at the AFAC 505-243-2333 will help you identify the appropriate Detective or Police Officer who can help you with this information.
What are your hours?
The Albuquerque Family Advocacy Center is open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, excluding City and court holidays.
HOLIDAYS (Days we are closed)
The Albuquerque Family Advocacy Center will be closed for observance of the following holidays. The facility may be closed for business operations, however, victims can still access AFAC services by calling 505-243-2333. Remember, if you are having an EMERGENCY, PLEASE CALL 911.
- New Year's Day
- Martin Luther King, Jr.'s Day
- President's Day
- Cesar Chavez Day Observed
- Easter
- Memorial Day
- Independence Day
- Labor Day
- Veterans' Day Holiday Observed
- Thanksgiving Day
- Christmas Day