Protections Against Dating Violence
Research conducted in 2000 by The Bureau of Justice Statistics indicates young adults between the ages of 16 to 24 experience the highest rate of intimate partner violence. Prior to 2001, individuals who were victims of dating violence had little, if any remedy under the law. If the victim and perpetrator had not been married, lived together (informal marriage), or had a child together, the victim was not eligible to seek a protective order.
Realizing the lack of protection for this segment of the population, the Texas legislature responded by adding provisions to the Texas Family Code defining dating violence and providing remedies at law. Section 71.0021 defines dating violence. To qualify for protection under the statute, one must have been in a dating relationship with the alleged perpetrator. A dating relationship means a relationship between individuals who have or have had a continuing relationship of a romantic or intimate nature. Factors that determine the existence of a dating relationship include: (1) length of the relationship; (2) nature of the relationship; and, (3) the frequency and type of interaction between the persons involved in the relationship.
A mere casual acquaintanceship or ordinary fraternization in a business or social context does not qualify as a “dating relationship” under the family code.
