As a survivor of domestic violence in Texas, I can tell you firsthand that the trauma doesn’t end when you leave your abuser. The system that’s supposed to protect us often feels like an obstacle course designed to make us give up. The truth is, Texas has a long way to go when it comes to protecting victims of domestic violence and holding abusers accountable. The laws may look good on paper, but in practice, there are serious gaps that leave survivors vulnerable and unsupported.
I’ve come to realize that many people aren’t aware of these issues unless they’ve experienced them themselves. But the flaws in Texas’s approach to domestic violence affect us all because they allow abusers to slip through the cracks and re-offend. Here, I’ll highlight some of the biggest shortcomings in Texas law when it comes to domestic violence, as well as the areas where reform is desperately needed.
1. Weak Protective Orders and Lack of Enforcement
In Texas, getting a protective order is not as straightforward as it should be. Victims have to go through a daunting legal process, often without legal representation, which makes it challenging to navigate the court system. Even when we do get a protective order, its effectiveness relies on how well it’s enforced. Unfortunately, enforcement in Texas is inconsistent. There have been countless cases where abusers violate protective orders, and law enforcement either doesn't act promptly or at all.
For victims, a piece of paper isn’t enough. We need assurance that law enforcement will respond immediately and seriously to violations. The lack of a reliable response puts victims at risk and can even embolden abusers who know they can get away with ignoring court orders. Texas needs to create stricter protocols and enforce mandatory consequences for protective order violations to truly protect survivors.
2. Insufficient Support for First-Time Offenders
One of the most troubling issues is how Texas handles first-time domestic violence offenses. In many cases, first-time offenders are given light sentences, often involving probation or minimal jail time. While the intent might be to give them a second chance, this approach ignores the cycle of abuse that many victims experience. Domestic violence is rarely an isolated incident; it’s a pattern of control and violence that often escalates over time. Treating it as a minor, one-time mistake does a disservice to survivors and downplays the severity of the crime.
There needs to be a recognition that domestic violence, even on the first offense, is a serious issue that requires accountability. Texas should implement harsher penalties for first-time offenders and mandate intervention programs that address abusive behaviors. We need to stop allowing abusers a “free pass” on their first offense, as this only increases the likelihood of re-offense.
3. Limited Access to a Public Domestic Violence Registry
The Texas Domestic Violence Registry, which is accessible through sites like domesticviolencedatabase.net, is a step in the right direction. However, its accessibility and public awareness are still limited. In comparison to the sex offender registry, the domestic violence registry is not as comprehensive or widely used. This registry should be an essential tool for survivors to check if someone has a history of domestic violence, but it currently lacks the visibility and accessibility needed to be truly effective.
To make a meaningful impact, Texas should expand the registry to cover all convicted domestic violence offenders and ensure it is easily accessible to the public. This will empower individuals to make informed decisions about their relationships and keep their families safe. More importantly, making this information accessible sends a message that domestic violence is taken seriously in Texas and that abusers will be held accountable.
4. Inadequate Support Services for Victims
Leaving an abusive relationship is one of the hardest things a person can do, and Texas simply doesn’t have enough support services in place to make it feasible for many victims. Shelters are often overcrowded, and funding for victim support services is limited. When I tried to leave, finding a safe place to stay and affordable legal help felt almost impossible. And I know I’m not alone in this struggle.
Texas needs to increase funding for domestic violence shelters and legal aid programs. Survivors need access to affordable housing, counseling, job training, and other resources that can help them rebuild their lives. Without these supports, many victims feel trapped in abusive relationships because they have nowhere else to go.
5. Domestic Violence Not Considered a "Tag Crime"
In Texas, domestic violence is not considered a "tag crime," which means that it doesn’t automatically increase penalties for repeat offenders. This is a huge oversight. Domestic violence is often part of a recurring pattern, and offenders frequently escalate their behavior over time. Treating each incident as a separate crime without acknowledging the history of violence allows abusers to continue harming others with little consequence.
Texas should adopt policies that recognize domestic violence as a pattern of behavior, not a series of isolated incidents. By classifying domestic violence as a "tag crime," the state could impose stricter penalties for repeat offenders, deterring them from committing further abuse.
Conclusion: Texas Must Do Better
As a survivor, I feel that the Texas legal system doesn’t fully understand the reality of domestic violence or prioritize the safety of victims. From weak protective orders and insufficient sentencing for first-time offenders to a lack of public awareness about domestic violence registries, the state’s laws fall short in critical areas.
Domestic violence is a complex issue that requires a proactive and multifaceted approach. Texas needs to make substantial changes to its laws and policies to better protect victims and hold abusers accountable. Until then, survivors like me will continue to feel unsupported and at risk, even after leaving our abusers.
It’s time for Texas to take domestic violence seriously—not just as a crime, but as a public health crisis that impacts families and communities across the state. By reforming our laws and making real investments in support services, Texas can become a safer place for everyone.