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.