Texas statute
Tex. Fam. Code § 71.0021 — Dating violence
Current through 89th Legislature, 2nd Called Session (2025)
Part of Chapter 71: DEFINITIONS, Texas Family Code.
Full text of Tex. Fam. Code § 71.0021
Statutory text current through the 89th Legislature, 2nd Called Session (2025). This publication reproduces the official statutory text; it is not the official statutes of the State of Texas.
(a) "Dating violence" means an act, other than a defensive measure to protect oneself, by an actor that: (1) is committed against a victim or applicant for a protective order: (A) with whom the actor has or has had a dating relationship; or (B) because of the victim's or applicant's marriage to or dating relationship with an individual with whom the actor is or has been in a dating relationship or marriage; and (2) is intended to result in physical harm, bodily injury, assault, or sexual assault or that is a threat that reasonably places the victim or applicant in fear of imminent physical harm, bodily injury, assault, or sexual assault. (b) For purposes of this title, "dating relationship" means a relationship between individuals who have or have had a continuing relationship of a romantic or intimate nature. The existence of such a relationship shall be determined based on consideration of: (1) the length of the relationship; (2) the nature of the relationship; and (3) the frequency and type of interaction between the persons involved in the relationship. (c) A casual acquaintanceship or ordinary fraternization in a business or social context does not constitute a "dating relationship" under Subsection (b).
Official sources
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