Incident Information
To be completed by the responding officer at the time this notice is provided.
Definition of Family Violence
The Texas Family Code defines Family Violence as an act by a member of a family or household against another member that is intended to result in physical harm, bodily injury, assault, or a threat that reasonably places the member in fear of imminent physical harm.
The law excludes the reasonable discipline of a child and defines abuse as physical injury that results in substantial harm or genuine threat; sexual contact, intercourse, or conduct; or compelling or encouraging the child to engage in sexual conduct.
By definition and for the purposes of family violence reports, "family" includes individuals related by consanguinity (blood) or affinity, marriage or former marriage, biological parents of the same child, foster children, foster parents, and members or former members of the same household (including roommates).
Senate Bill 68 of the 77th Legislature amended the Family Code to include "Dating Violence." A "Dating Relationship" means a relationship between individuals who have or have had a continuing relationship of a romantic or intimate nature.
Your Rights as a Victim
In accordance with Code of Criminal Procedure, Article 5.04(c)
It is a crime for any person to cause you any physical injury or harm, EVEN IF THAT PERSON IS A MEMBER OR FORMER MEMBER OF YOUR FAMILY OR HOUSEHOLD.
Please Tell the Investigating Peace Officer:
- If you, your child, or any other household resident has been injured.
- If you believe you will be in danger after the officer(s) leave.
You Have the Right To:
- File a criminal complaint — Ask the local prosecutor to file a criminal complaint against the person committing family violence.
- Apply for a protective order — Apply to a court for an order to protect you. To do so, you should consult a legal aid office, a prosecuting attorney, or a private attorney.
- Request an Emergency Protection Order — If a family or household member assaults you and is arrested, you may request that a Magistrate's Order for Emergency Protection be issued. Please inform the investigating officer if you want an order of emergency protection. You need not be present when the order is issued.
- No court fees — You cannot be charged a fee by a court in connection with filing, serving, or entering a protective order.
- Terminate your lease — A tenant who is a victim of family violence may vacate a dwelling and terminate a residential lease.
A Court Protective Order May:
- Prohibit the abuser from committing further acts of violence.
- Prohibit the abuser from threatening, harassing, or contacting you at home.
- Direct the abuser to leave your household.
- Establish temporary custody of the children or direct the abuser not to interfere with the children or any property.
⚠ A VIOLATION OF CERTAIN PROVISIONS OF COURT-ORDERED PROTECTION MAY BE A FELONY.
Available Resources
Family Violence Shelter
To locate the nearest family violence program and shelter near you:
Confidential • Available 24/7
Legal Assistance
Contact your local county attorney, legal aid office, or:
- Family Violence Legal Line:
1-800-374-4673 - Texas Legal Services Center:
1-888-343-4414
Victim Services Counselors
Texas DPS Victim Services — closest counselors:
- Austin: 512-997-4126
- Waco: 254-759-7225
Local Contacts & Shelters
- Mental Health – Central Counties Services:
1-800-888-4036 - Texas Dept. of Human Services:
1-254-939-3561 - Families in Crisis Shelter (Temple / Killeen):
1-254-773-7765 - Legal Aid – Protective Orders (Belton):
1-713-652-0077
Safety Plan
Taking these steps now can help protect you and your children in an emergency situation:
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Secure your important documents and valuables. Keep all personal documents and important items in a safe place for both yourself and your children. Examples include: birth certificates, driver's license, social security cards, bank account information, checkbooks, extra house and car keys, medical records, legal papers, and changes of clothing.
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Memorize key phone numbers and create a code word. Have a code word with your family or children. Do not rely solely on your cell phone as a source of information — it can be lost, damaged, or taken.
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Create an emergency exit plan. Know exactly what you will do if you have to leave unexpectedly due to you or your children being in imminent danger.