Notice to Adult Victims of Family Violence

It is a crime for any person to intentionally cause you physical injury or harm, even if that person is a member or former member of your household. It is important that you tell the officer if you, your child, or any other household resident has been injured or if you feel you are going to be in danger after the officer leaves.

You Have the Right To:

• Ask the police department to file charges against the person committing family violence.
• Ask the officer for a Magistrate's Order of Emergency Protection.
• Apply for a Final Protective Order.

The Crime Victims' Compensation (CVC) Program

The CVC program helps crime victims and their immediate families with the financial costs of crime. Emergency medical care and sexual assault exam compensation may be available to cover the medical care costs a victim received during a sexual assault exam at a hospital under the CVC.

You can get help from CVC staff:
Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM CT
Toll-Free: (800) 983-9933
texasattorneygeneral.gov/crime-victims

Victim Notification (IVSS)

You may register with the Texas Department of Criminal Justice Victim Services Division (VSD) to receive automated notifications about changes in an offender's custody status or upcoming court events.

Register online at https://ivss-counties.tdcj.texas.gov
or call 1-800-848-4284.

Registration is free and confidential. The offender will not be notified.

Texas Crime Victims' Rights

A victim of a violent crime is someone who:

1. Has suffered bodily injury, death, or has been the victim of sexual assault, kidnapping, or aggravated robbery.
2. Is a close relative (spouse, parent, or adult sibling or child) of a deceased victim.
3. Is the guardian of a victim.

The following rights are from Chapter 56A of the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure.

Victims of Crime Have the Right To:

• Receive from law enforcement agencies adequate protection from harm and threats of harm arising from cooperation with prosecution efforts.
• Have their safety considered by the magistrate when setting bail.
• Receive receive information on request, of relevant court proceedings, including appellate proceedings, of cancellations or rescheduling prior to the event, & appellate court of decisions after the decisions are entered but before they are made public
• Be informed, when requested, by a peace officer about the defendant's right to bail & criminal investigation procedures, & from the prosecutor's office about general procedures in the criminal justice system, including plea agreements, restitution, appeals & parole
• Provide pertinent information concerning the impact of the crime on the victim and their family prior to sentencing of the offender.
• Information about the Texas Crime Victim's Compensation fund including information related to the cost that may be compensated, amount of compensation, eligibility for compensation, procedures for applying, payment for a medical examination for a victim of sexual assault, &, on request, referral to social service agencies that provide additional assistance.
• Information, on request, about parole procedures; notification of parole proceedings & the inmate's release; and the right to participate in the parole process by submitting written information to the Board of Pardons & Paroles for inclusion in the defendant's file for consideration by the Board prior to parole.
• A separate or secure waiting area at all public court proceedings, or if a separate waiting area is unavailable, other safeguards taken to minimize the victims contact with the offender.
• Prompt return of any property no longer needed as evidence.
• Have the prosecutor notify, on request, an employer of the victim, that the need for the victim's cooperation & testimony may involve the victim's absence from work for good cause.
• On request, the right to counseling and testing regarding HIV/AIDS (human immunodeficiency virus) infection & testing for victims of sexual assault.
• Request victim-offender mediation through the Victim Services Division of the Texas Department of Criminal Justice.
• Be informed of the use & purpose of a Victim Impact Statement, to complete a Victim Impact Statement, & to have the Statement considered before sentencing & acceptance of a plea bargain & before an inmate is released on parole: A victim, guardian of a victim, or close relative of a deceased victim is entitled to be present at all public court proceedings, subject to the approval of the judge in the case.

The office of the attorney representing the state, the sheriff, police, & other law enforcement agencies shall ensure to the extent practicable that a victim, guardian of a victim, or close relative of a deceased victim is afforded the rights granted &, on request, an explanation of those rights.

A judge, attorney for the state, peace officer, or law enforcement agency is not liable for a failure or inability to provide a right enumerated herein. Failure or inability to provide a right or service may not be used in a criminal case as grounds for appeal, grounds to set aside a conviction or sentence.

A victim, guardian of a victim, or close relative of a deceased victim does not have standing to participate as a party in a criminal proceeding or contest the disposition of any charge.