Domestic violence, also known as family violence, is a serious crime under Texas law. Defined in the Texas Family Code, it occurs when a family or household member commits an act intending to:
Inflict bodily injury
Commit assault
Instill a reasonable fear of imminent harm
Domestic violence is not limited to physical acts—it includes threats, harassment, emotional abuse, and coercive control. Consequences can include criminal charges, protective orders, and loss of custody. Even misdemeanor convictions carry jail time, fines, and a permanent criminal record.