In January, the Bexar County Sheriff’s Office filed 194 domestic violence reports. That number climbed steadily through the year, peaking at 276 calls in October.
SAN ANTONIO — While domestic violence incident are on the rise in Bexar County, advocates are reigniting conversations about prevention and protection, especially in light of recent shootings.
In January, the Bexar County Sheriff’s Office filed 194 domestic violence reports. That number climbed steadily through the year, peaking at 276 calls in October, before declining slightly to 233 in November.
Family Violence Prevention Services (FVPS) President and CEO Marta Pelaez noted the numbers tell a troubling story.
“There is an upward trend on domestic violence,” Pelaez said. “They want to appropriate the victim. It’s all about treating the victim as property.”
The dangers associated with domestic violence were highlighted Sunday during a violent incident in north Bexar County along the 700 block of Tecumseh Drive. Authorities said suspect Jose Fernandez-Solano forced his way into the home of his estranged family. Bexar County Sheriff Javier Salazar said a woman was able to escape with her two young children and call 911 unharmed.
When deputies attempted to make contact with the suspect, officials say Fernandez-Solano opened fire, injuring two deputies. The suspect was later killed during a shootout with law enforcement. The injured deputies are expected to recover.
Pelaez points to FVPS’ Battered Women and Children’s Shelter as a critical lifeline for families escaping violent situations.
“The demographic of the person that comes to the shelter is a mother between 36 and 38 years old that comes in the company of three children,” Pelaez said. “That family will be saved.”
The shelter provides legal assistance, counseling services, and long-term support aimed at helping survivors rebuild their lives.
“It is our hope and our goal to bring that family to self-sufficiency, independence, and a lot of learning about domestic violence,” Pelaez said.
Advocates say prevention must also focus on education, particularly for young people. Pelaez says children exposed to domestic violence often experience lasting trauma, making awareness and early intervention essential.
“A child who is exposed to domestic violence is a very traumatized child,” Pelaez said. “Raising awareness is a responsibility that we all have in the community.”
Despite legal barriers that limit domestic violence education in classrooms, advocates remain hopeful that continued community engagement can help break the cycle of abuse.
Help is available 24/7 by calling FVPS hotline at -210-733-8810