The Texas Council on Family Violence shows Bexar County had the highest domestic violence death rate per capita in the state with 17 deaths in 2024.
SAN ANTONIO — It’s Domestic Violence Awareness Month and the issue continues to leave a devastating mark on families across Texas. Bexar County is seeing some of the worst outcomes in the state.
Now, nearly $17 million in federal funding is coming in to stop the violence.
This funding is needed for the National Domestic Violence Hotline because advocates say the first step is asking for help.
According to Congressman Lloyd Doggett, who helped get this money, more than 26,000 Texans used the hotline last year.
Whenever someone calls the hotline, it’s re-routed to local agencies.
In Bexar County, domestic violence is a growing issue.
In 2024, the Texas Council on Family Violence shows Bexar County had the highest domestic violence death rate per capita in the state with 17 deaths.
Marta Peláez, CEO of Family Violence Prevention Services, says 1-in-3 women in the nation will be impacted by domestic violence in her life. She hopes the death rates will go down to zero.
“These 17 people that died at the hands of someone who claimed to love them was absolutely preventable,” said Peláez. “If only they had seeked out resources sooner, if they had more awareness of what domestic violence is. That it can ultimately kill you?”
In October, Peláez says they see an increase in calls at the San Antonio Domestic Violence Hotline because of Domestic Violence Awareness Month.
At the Battered Women and Children’s Shelter, Peláez says they offer wrap-around services to help anyone get out of that situation and make it on their own.
The shelter serves also serves men.
Peláez says most domestic violence victims aren’t the adults but the children.
The San Antonio Domestic Violence Hotline number is 210-733-8810.
You can also reach out to the Battered Women and Children’s Shelter for support.