An argument with your girlfriend is one thing. Getting hit during that argument is another. When it happens, most people won’t think about legal rights or evidence. Instead, they just try to process what just occurred. If you’re in Texas and a disagreement has turned physical, it is important to know that you have options when you are hit in a dating relationship.
Many people ask themselves, “What to do if my girlfriend hits me?” The first steps are to get somewhere safe, seek medical attention if needed, document the incident, and learn about your legal rights. While it may be tempting to brush the situation off or hope it doesn’t happen again, taking it seriously from the start can help protect both your safety and your future.
Understanding the purpose behind each of these steps can help you respond more confidently and avoid mistakes that could affect you later.
Put Your Safety First
Your immediate priority should be getting away from the situation if there is any risk of further violence. Even if the incident seemed minor, emotions can escalate quickly during a heated argument.
Consider taking the following steps:
- Leave the area if you feel unsafe.
- Call 911 if you’re in immediate danger.
- Avoid retaliating physically.
- Stay with a trusted friend or family member if necessary.
It can be tempting to respond emotionally, especially if you’re hurt or angry. However, staying calm and removing yourself from the situation can help prevent things from becoming even more complicated.
Seek Medical Attention
Not every injury is obvious right away. Adrenaline can mask pain, and some injuries may worsen over time.
You should consider:
- Visiting a doctor, urgent care center, or emergency room.
- Following any recommended treatment plans.
- Taking photographs of visible injuries.
- Keeping copies of medical records and bills.
Medical records can provide important documentation if legal issues arise later. More importantly, they help ensure that your health is properly addressed.
Document Everything
If you decide to report the incident or pursue legal action, documentation can be extremely valuable. The sooner you gather evidence, the easier it may be to establish what happened.
Helpful documentation may include:
- Photos of injuries or damaged property.
- Screenshots of text messages or social media communications.
- Notes describing the incident while it’s still fresh in your memory.
- Contact information for witnesses who may have seen or heard what happened.
Try to be as detailed as possible. Small details that seem unimportant today may become significant later.
Understand Your Legal Rights in Texas
Many people are surprised to learn that Texas law applies equally to victims of domestic violence regardless of gender. If a dating partner becomes physically violent, the incident may fall under Texas family violence laws.
Depending on the circumstances, you may choose to
- Report the incident to local law enforcement.
- Request a protective order if you fear future harm.
- Speak with an attorney about your legal options.
- Cooperate with any investigation that follows.
Under Texas Family Code § 71.0021, dating violence is recognized as a form of family violence under certain circumstances. This means legal protections may be available even if you are not married to the person involved.
Don’t Overlook the Emotional Impact
Physical injuries often receive the most attention, but emotional effects can linger long after an incident. You may feel embarrassed, confused, angry, or uncertain about the future of the relationship.
Some people find it helpful to:
- Speak with trusted friends or family members.
- Seek professional counseling.
- Join a support group.
- Create a plan for maintaining their safety moving forward.
Seeking support is not an overreaction. It’s a practical step toward protecting your mental and emotional well-being.
Key Takeaways
- If your girlfriend hits you in Texas, your first priority should be getting to a safe location.
- Seek medical attention for any injuries and keep copies of medical records.
- Document the incident with photographs, notes, and any relevant communications.
- Avoid retaliating physically, as doing so could create additional legal complications.
- Texas law recognizes domestic violence regardless of the victim’s gender.
- Depending on the circumstances, you may be able to report the incident to law enforcement or seek a protective order.
- Don’t ignore the emotional impact of the incident—support from friends, family, or a counselor can be valuable.
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