Preventing Family Violence

Your rights and law enforcement's response

Family violence is a serious danger and threat to society and its members. Victims of family violence are entitled to the maximum protection from harm or abuse or the threat of harm or abuse as is permitted by law. Article 5.01 CCP.

Notice to adult victims of family violence

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; or

If you feel you are going to be in danger when the officer leaves or later.

You have the right to:

Ask the local law enforcement agency to file a criminal complaint against the person committing family violence; and apply to a court for an order to protect you (you should consult a legal aid office, a prosecuting attorney, or a private attorney).
For example, the court can enter an order that:

the abuser not commit further acts of violence;

the abuser not threaten, harass, or contact you at home;

directs the abuser to leave your house hold; and

establishes temporary custody of the children and directs the abuser not to interfere with the children or any property.

A violation of certain provisions of court-ordered protection (such as 1 and 2 above) is a criminal offense.

What is a Family Protective Order?
A Family Protective Order is a court order for the protection of victims of "family violence".

"Family Violence" means the intentional use or threat of physical force by a member of a "family" or "household" against another member of the family or household.

"Family" includes individuals related by blood or marriage, such as spouses, ex-spouses, aunts, uncles, cousins, brothers, sisters, parents, children, nieces, nephews, grandparents, in-laws.

"Household" means persons living together in the same house, whether or not they are related to each other.

How do I obtain a Family Protective Order?
You can obtain a Family Protective Order by filing an application with a Family Law Court in the county you reside. You will probably need the services of an attorney. If you cannot afford an attorney you may be able to obtain a lawyer through West Texas Legal Services. The resources of the County Criminal District Attorney's Offices are limited and can only be used as a last resort after attempts to hire a private attorney or to obtain legal aid have been unsuccessful.

Will a Family Protective Order prevent family violence?
A Family Protective Order can help stop violence and give the police and courts additional authority to take action in family cases and to punish those who commit family violence, but it is not a guarantee that truly stops the family violence.

Call the following violence shelters or social organizations if you need protection:

Arlington

Women's Shelter ................................ (817) 460-5624
Women's Center ................................ (817) 548-1663
Family Violence Counseling Center .... (

Fort Worth

Women's Haven ................................ (817) 535-6464
Women's Center ............................... (817) 927-4040
West Texas Legal Services ................ (817) 336-3943
Lawyer Referral Services ................... (817) 336-4101
D.A. Family Violence ........................ (817) 884-1623
Dispute Resolution ............................ (817) 877-4554
Child Protective Service .................... (817) 321-8600




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