Penal Code · §71.0021

Dating Violence — Definition

Dating Violence — Definition is covered under §71.0021 and tested on the TCOLE peace officer licensing exam. Cadets typically encounter this topic under "Family Violence" on practice exams.

To prove this offense, the State must establish each of the following elements: Family by blood, marriage, adoption, foster; Household member (past or present); Current or former spouse; Parents of the same child; Current or former dating relationship.

Elements you must prove

  • Family by blood, marriage, adoption, foster
  • Household member (past or present)
  • Current or former spouse
  • Parents of the same child
  • Current or former dating relationship

Practice 1 question on this topic

Time yourself, score your run, review missed questions with statute references — Free Practice Pass cadets get limited access.

Start Free Practice

Worked examples

Worked example 1

Under Texas Family Code §71.0021/71.003/71.004, 'family violence' includes acts against:

  1. Only legally married spouses
  2. Only blood relatives
  3. Family members, household members, current or former spouses, parents of the same child, foster relationships, and current or former dating partners Correct
  4. Only persons currently living together
Why: 'Family violence' covers a broad range of relationships — family by blood/marriage/adoption/foster, household members past or present, current or former spouses, parents of the same child, and current or former dating partners.
Statute: Tex. Fam. Code §71.0021/71.003/71.004

Statutory definitions for this topic

Family violence Tex. Fam. Code §71.0021/71.003/71.004
An act by a family or household member, current or former spouse, parent of the same child, foster parent or child, or current or former dating partner, that is intended to result in physical harm, bodily injury, assault, or sexual assault — or a threat that reasonably places the member 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.