Assaulted and Unable to Retrieve My Belongings
I was temporarily staying with my cousin while my home is being rebuilt and had moved several of my possessions there, including mail which I’ve since paused. On March 6, he assaulted me, and I have video evidence of the incident. The Houston Police Department witnessed the assault as well. When I tried to contact the police for help in retrieving my belongings, they never arrived. I even went to the police station, but they advised me to call the non-emergency line instead.
I have full coverage with State Farm for both my home and my vehicles, but I feel unsafe returning to my cousin’s place to collect my items, which now seem to be a lost cause. Among them are irreplaceable photo albums of my child, my mother, and my great grandmother, which I’m devastated to lose.
Tomorrow, I plan to visit the crime victims unit to file an application and will need to go to a different police division to obtain the police report. I’m feeling overwhelmed and unsure where to turn next. Has anyone had experience with State Farm covering lost items in situations like mine? What are my options?
It’s frustrating how difficult the justice system makes it for victims; my assailant was released within a day, and obtaining a restraining order involves multiple steps across different locations, all of which come with costs. I just want to find a way to move forward from this.
I’m really sorry to hear about what you’ve been through. It sounds incredibly difficult and traumatic. First and foremost, your safety is the most important thing right now, so if you feel threatened, please prioritize finding a safe place and reaching out to local support services.
Regarding your belongings, since you have full coverage with State Farm, you might have some options for filing a claim to recover the loss of your personal items, especially if they were damaged or lost due to the incident. It would be wise to get in touch with your insurance agent and explain the situation to see what coverage might apply.
Additionally, working with the crime victims unit can provide you with access to resources and support. They may also help you navigate getting a restraining order and provide you with guidance on managing both the emotional and legal aspects of your experience.
As for retrieving your items, considering your safety, it might be best to ask the crime victims unit or a legal advocate for guidance on how to handle this without putting yourself in danger.
Please take care of yourself, and know that there are people out there who can help you navigate this tough situation.