Reporting cases of domestic abuse is not only important to ensure survivors’ needs are taken care of, but it’s a person’s legal obligation to do so.
Texas law says anyone who thinks a child, or person 65 years or older, or an adult with disabilities is being abused, neglected, or exploited must report it to Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS). See Tex. Hum. Res. Code § 48.051; Tex. Fam. Code § 261.101. A person who does not report suspected abuse can be convicted of a misdemeanor or felony, depending on the circumstances. See Tex. Hum. Res. Code § 48.052; Tex. Fam. Code § 261.109.
The Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) has a central place to report domestic abuse, including:
- Child abuse and neglect.
- Abuse, neglect, self-neglect, and exploitation of the elderly or adults with disabilities living at home.
- Abuse of children in child-care facilities or treatment centers.
- Abuse of adults and children who live in state facilities or are being helped by programs for people with mental illness or intellectual disabilities. These are run by the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) or Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services (DADS).