Protective orders

Crime victims in Texas are guaranteed certain rights, as outlined in the Code of Criminal Procedure. The Office of the Attorney General has more information in its Crime Victims Publications online.

SMU can assist victims in applying for a protective order, which instructs the person named in the order to stay 500 feet from where the protected person lives or works, not to commit or threaten violence, or stalk the person applying for protection. Applications for protective orders are made at the Dallas County District Attorney’s Office Family Violence Division at the Frank Crowley Courthouse, 133 N. Riverfront Blvd., 214-653-3528.

For more information: dallascounty.org/government/district-attorney/divisions/family-violence.php

SMU Police keep a copy of protective orders on file. SMU complies with the state laws honoring protective orders. If a protective order is violated, the protected person should call police immediately.

For more information, call SMU Police at 214-768-3333.

Protecting information

In accordance with the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure, Chapter 57, victims may use a pseudonym to protect their identity. A pseudonym is a set of initials or a fictitious name chosen by the victim to be used in all public files and records concerning the alleged offense.

SMU will not include a victim’s personally identifying information in any publicly available recordkeeping, including Clery Act reporting and disclosures such as the annual security report and the daily crime log. In some cases, SMU may need to disclose some information about a victim to a third party to provide necessary accommodations or protective measures in a timely manner.