According to Texas law,
"Family Violence", or "Domestic Violence", means an act by a member
of a family or household against another member that is intended to result
in physical harm, bodily injury, assault, or sexual
assault, or that is a threat that places a member in
fear of such harm.
REMEMBER: FAMILY/DOMESTIC VIOLENCE IS A CRIME.
Family Violence affects
people of all ages, ethnic backgrounds, and economic
levels. While predominantly affecting women, family
violence also affects children (child abuse), seniors
(elder abuse), and male family members, who can also
be victims of abuse.
In San Antonio, Family Violence reported to the Police
Department typically involves a woman who has been
assaulted by her male partner.
SAPD responds to and carefully tracks
reported incidents of domestic violence, according to
SAPD General Manual Procedures and the Texas Code
of Criminal Procedure. Arrest is required when the
assault is committed on the officer's presence, when
bodily injury was committed just prior to the officers'
arrival, or when the injury has been committed to a
child. A special Family Violence Report must be
filed by any officer who investigates a family violence
allegation or who responds to a family disturbance call.
Whenever possible, a SAPD Crisis Response Team (CRT) will contact
participants in a family violence call after the reporting
officer has filed the report. The CRT, made up of a police
officer and a civilian counselor, offers assistance to
all parties in the domestic problem, including victim
assistance, counseling, and referrals. Each of the
six SAPD Substations has a Crisis Response Team.
The San Antonio Police Department also provides
counseling and referral services to victims of any
violent crime, through the Victims' Advocacy Office,
located at the Main Headquarters Building, 214 W. Nueva.
SAPD's E.A.S.E. program provides ASL interpretation to deaf and
hard of hearing victims.
FAMILY VIOLENCE IS A VERY SERIOUS PROBLEM
Men and women who follow their parents' example and use
violence to solve conflicts are teaching the same
destructive behavior to their children.
Jobs can be lost or careers stalled because of injuries,
arrests, or harassment.
Violence may even result in death. |
WHAT CAN YOU DO IF YOU ARE AT RISK FOR OR A VICTIM OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE?