US Laws, Codes, Statutes & Cases

FAMILY CODE

SUBTITLE C. REPORTING FAMILY VIOLENCE

CHAPTER 91. REPORTING FAMILY VIOLENCE


	§ 91.001. DEFINITIONS.  In this subtitle:                                   
		(1)  "Family violence" has the meaning assigned by 
Section 71.004.          
		(2)  "Medical professional" means a licensed doctor, 
nurse, physician assistant, or emergency medical technician.

Added by Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 34, § 1, eff. May 5, 1997.              


	§ 91.002. REPORTING BY WITNESSES ENCOURAGED.  A person 
who witnesses family violence is encouraged to report the family 
violence to a local law enforcement agency.

Added by Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 34, § 1, eff. May 5, 1997.              


	§ 91.003. INFORMATION PROVIDED BY MEDICAL 
PROFESSIONALS.  A medical professional who treats a person for 
injuries that the medical professional has reason to believe were 
caused by family violence shall:
		(1)  immediately provide the person with information 
regarding the nearest family violence shelter center;
		(2)  document in the person's medical file:                                   
			(A)  the fact that the person has received the 
information provided under Subdivision (1);  and
			(B)  the reasons for the medical professional's 
belief that the person's injuries were caused by family violence;  
and
		(3)  give the person a written notice in substantially 
the following form, completed with the required information, in 
both English and Spanish:

"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.

"NOTICE TO ADULT VICTIMS OF FAMILY VIOLENCE

"You may report family violence to a law enforcement 
officer by calling the following telephone numbers:  
___________________________________________________.

"If you, your child, or any other household resident 
has been injured or if you feel you are going to be in 
danger after a law enforcement officer investigating 
family violence leaves your residence or at a later 
time, you have the right to:
		"Ask the local prosecutor to file a criminal 
complaint against the person committing family 
violence;  and
		"Apply to a court for an order to protect you.  
You may want to consult with a legal aid office, a 
prosecuting attorney, or a private attorney.  A court 
can enter an order that:
			"(1) prohibits the abuser from committing 
further acts of violence;        
			"(2) prohibits the abuser from threatening, 
harassing, or contacting you at home;
			"(3) directs the abuser to leave your 
household;  and                      
			"(4) establishes temporary custody of the 
children or any property.        

"A VIOLATION OF CERTAIN PROVISIONS OF COURT-ORDERED 
PROTECTION MAY BE A FELONY.

"CALL THE FOLLOWING VIOLENCE SHELTERS OR SOCIAL 
ORGANIZATIONS IF YOU NEED PROTECTION:  
_________________________________."

Added by Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 34, § 1, eff. May 5, 1997.              


	§ 91.004. APPLICATION OF SUBTITLE.  This subtitle does 
not affect a duty to report child abuse under Chapter 261.

Added by Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 34, § 1, eff. May 5, 1997.