vying perez: How prevalent is domestic violence in Texas? ? Guerra & Farah, PLLC

Tuesday, July 17, 2012

How prevalent is domestic violence in Texas? ? Guerra & Farah, PLLC

Author: Guerra & Farah, PLLC

The Texas Family Code defines domestic violence, referred to as family violence, based on several possible types of relationships including dating relationships and those considered family, which are individuals related by blood or affinity (whether residing together or not). Relationships include former spouses, parents of the same child even if unmarried, foster children, and foster parents. Family violence refers to physical harm, bodily injury, assault, sexual assault, abuse, or reasonable threats that cause the family member to fear that such treatment will occur.

2010 Statistics

According to the Texas Department of Public Safety, there were 193,505 family violence incidents inTexasin 2010, which decreased by 1.6 percent over 2009. Complainants and the accused involved in 2010 incidents were:

Accused 207,474
Complainants 211,769

Types and percentages of family violence include:

Marital 42.6 percent
Parental/child 15.6 percent
Other family (grandparents, grandchildren, siblings, roommates, stepbrothers/sisters, other relatives) 41.7 percent

Fighting domestic violence arrest and conviction

Do not take family violence issues lightly. Family violence arrest and conviction can result in jail time, fines, and adverse social stigma that can affect employment and limit opportunities for joint custody or result in restricted visitation. A repeat domestic violence charge is a third degree felony and aggravated assault is a second degree felony, which can lead to deportation for legal permanent residents and other aliens. Not all alleged family violence incidents are valid or as extreme as alleged. If facing charges, an experienced Texas domestic violence defense lawyer can protect your rights.