How to Find Information on the Penalty for Domestic Violence in Texas

In Texas, domestic violence falls under the categories of either ''family violence'' or ''dating violence,'' and include only certain forms of relationships. To find what the laws cover in Texas, follow these steps.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Computer with Internet access
• Telephone

Find Legal Information on Domestic Violence in Texas

1. Visit the home page for Women'sLaw.org (see Resources below).
2. In the ''Select State'' area, choose ''TX'' from the drop-down menu for information on Texas law.
3. Read the information and either take notes or print out the results.
4. Contact the national helpline of the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence (see Resources below). They can provide additional information based on your situation.
5. E-mail your questions to Women'sLaw.org. Create an email account that cannot be accessed by your abuser. Also consider disabling cookies in your browser and deleting your browser's history.
6. File for a protective order through a civil state court in Texas. This order will force the perpetrator to stay away from you. If the abuser doesn't comply, an arrest can follow.

Tips & Warnings

• Use caution when researching online. An abuser may be computer savvy enough to detect which Web sites you have visited, so consider accessing information at a library or a friend's home.
• Be prepared to press chargers against your abuser or file for a restraining order. Typically, a person who struggles with anger management or abusive tendencies will not voluntarily stop the abuse.
• Immediately report domestic violence if your abuser owns a gun. In Texas, once you file for a protective order, the abuser must surrender any firearms.