CHAPTER 91. REPORTING FAMILY VIOLENCE - Texas Statutes

FAMILY CODE

TITLE 4. PROTECTIVE ORDERS AND FAMILY VIOLENCE

SUBTITLE C. REPORTING FAMILY VIOLENCE

CHAPTER 91. REPORTING FAMILY VIOLENCE

Sec. 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, Sec. 1, eff. May 5, 1997.

Sec. 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, Sec. 1, eff. May 5, 1997.

Sec. 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, Sec. 1, eff. May 5, 1997.

Sec. 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, Sec. 1, eff. May 5, 1997.