HOUSTON — A Houston mother says her three children remain in their father’s custody despite her repeated reports of family violence and efforts to obtain a protective order.

Miracle Mathis made the allegations during a protest outside King Steak, where a fundraising dinner for Judge Damiane Dianne Curvey was taking place. The demonstration focused on protective-order proceedings and courtroom practices in the 280th District Court.

Mathis said her custody dispute began in 2017. She alleged that her former husband abused her during their marriage and that one of their children was later abused.

Mathis displayed documents she described as police reports and court records involving family violence and injury to a child. She said Curvey denied her request for a protective order and directed the parents toward mediation.

“I have over 32 police reports,” Mathis said. “Nothing gets done.”

Mathis said her former husband has sole custody and took the children to California and Las Vegas. She said her family spent money on attorneys and private investigators to locate them. Mathis said she last saw the children during a three-day visit last week.

“I just want my kids,” Mathis said. “I can’t sleep, I can’t eat, I can’t keep a job because I had to leave and go find them.”

Mathis said she agreed to mediation and entered an order July 31, but alleged its terms were violated within a week. She claimed Curvey previously told her the children would be returned after court.

“You told me my children were coming home,” Mathis said while addressing Curvey. “I trusted you.”

Mathis said she wants the court to reconsider her concerns and review the records she presented regarding her children’s safety.