{"id":376607,"date":"2016-03-31T21:36:52","date_gmt":"2016-04-01T02:36:52","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/state\/texas-law\/texas-domestic-violence-laws.html"},"modified":"2026-05-18T10:00:04","modified_gmt":"2026-05-18T15:00:04","slug":"texas-domestic-violence-laws","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/texas-law\/texas-domestic-violence-laws.html","title":{"rendered":"Texas Domestic Violence Laws"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Texas Domestic Violence Laws<\/h1>\n\n
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\n By Kit Yona, M.A.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Laura Temme, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n\n\n

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Texas <\/span>domestic violence<\/span> laws<\/span> define family violence<\/span> as abusive criminal acts committed between people in qualifying relationships, such as spouses, family members<\/span>, household members<\/span>, or dating partners. These laws cover offenses including assault, battery, bodily injury, sexual assault<\/span>, and child abuse when committed between such individuals. Victims have access to protective orders<\/span> and other legal protections, while violators face criminal penalties ranging from misdemeanors<\/span> to felonies.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n\n\n\n

Abusive criminal acts committed between people sharing certain relationships are considered domestic violence<\/span>\u200b in Texas. Also called family violence<\/span> and dating violence<\/span>, domestic abuse destroys both lives and families.<\/p>\n

Whether you’re a victim of domestic abuse<\/a> or stand accused of a qualifying crime, knowing the domestic violence<\/span> laws<\/span> in Texas is of utmost importance. This article explains the elements of a family violence<\/span> offense<\/span><\/a>, examines the protections available to victims, and discusses the potential penalties.<\/p>\n

How Texas Defines Domestic Violence<\/span><\/h2>\n

Most crimes committed in Texas aren’t considered family violence<\/span><\/a>. It takes a specific combination of:<\/p>\n