Family Code · §71.0021

Dating Violence — Definition

Dating Violence — Definition (§71.0021): key points and worked practice questions for Texas peace officer exam preparation.

Key points

  • Continuing relationship of a romantic or intimate nature
  • Length of relationship + nature of relationship + frequency / type of interaction
  • Need not have lived together

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Worked examples

Worked example 1

Tex. Fam. Code §71.0021 'dating violence' applies between:

  1. Only legally married persons
  2. Individuals who have or have had a continuing relationship of a romantic or intimate nature; determined by length, nature, and frequency/type of interaction Correct
  3. Strangers
  4. Only persons living together
Why: Dating violence reaches conduct between persons in a current or former dating relationship; the statute looks at length, nature, and frequency of interactions.
Statute: Tex. Fam. Code §71.0021

Statutory definitions for this topic

Dating violence Tex. Fam. Code §71.0021
An act by an individual against a person with whom the actor has or has had a continuing relationship of a romantic or intimate nature, that is intended to result in physical harm, bodily injury, assault, or sexual assault — or a threat reasonably placing the dating partner in fear of imminent physical harm.
Dating relationship Tex. Fam. Code §71.0021(b)
A relationship between individuals who have or have had a continuing relationship of a romantic or intimate nature. Determined by the length of the relationship, the nature of the relationship, and the frequency and type of interaction.