Local experts report a 20% increase in cases during the holidays and stress the importance of access to resources and improving youth education on domestic violence.
SAN ANTONIO — Two deadly shootings just a day a part in San Antonio are underscoring a troubling rise in domestic violence during the holiday season nationwide.
As city leaders and advocates warn of increasing risks this time of year, they’re urging the community to know the signs and where to turn for help.
On Thursday night, San Antonio police responded to an apartment complex along the 20000 block of Stone Oak Parkway, where officers found Julie Katherine Harrell shot to death. A man at the scene identified as Vernon Andrew Bonillas Jr., died from what investigators say was a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
We will continue working closely with community partners to expand resources, promote early intervention, and ensure that every resident has access to safety, dignity, and support. Our hearts are with the families, neighbors, and first responders impacted by this tragedy.
The night before, a woman was killed in an apartment off the 2500 block of NE Loop 410 after an argument with a man police say may have been domestic in nature. Both cases remain under investigation.
Metro Health’s Erica Haller-Stevenson, who specializes in violence prevention noted how domestic violence tends to be on the rise during the holidays.
“We do see locally this increase in domestic violence over the holidays,” Haller-Stevenson said, noting SAPD cases have climbed by as much as 20% between Thanksgiving and the New Year.
Haller-Stevenson said many survivors struggle to break free from abusive relationships.
“Nationally, research has shown it takes about seven attempts for a person to successfully and permanently leave,” Haller-Stevenson said. “So we need to make sure people know where to find help.”
Judge Monique Diaz, co-chair of the Collaborative Commission on Domestic Violence, said holiday pressures can heighten the dangers.
“Increased stress, financial pressures, overcrowded homes, sometimes victims are forced into close proximity with perpetrators,” Diaz said.
Diaz said the commission is focused on a public health approach, including educating youth in classrooms and online. But gaining access to schools can be difficult.
“We are working really hard to get into schools and to get information to our youth on education on healthy relationships,” Diaz said. There are laws that make it more challenging for us to get into the schools and provide domestic violence education to teenagers and youth and so we are trying to get creative on how we can get that information to the folks that need it most.”
District 9 City Councilwoman Misty Spears spoke to the issue of domestic violence following the murder-suicide on Thursday:
“Our community is grieving following the tragic murder–suicide reported this week at The Abbey at Stone Oak. While details are still emerging, incidents like this underscore a painful truth: domestic violence continues to take lives in San Antonio far too often.
Our District 9 Office remains committed to strengthening awareness, improving prevention efforts, and supporting those who may be experiencing violence at home. No one should ever feel isolated or unsafe, and help is available.”
If you or someone you know may be in danger, please reach out:
• Family Violence Prevention Services 24/7 Hotline: 210-733-8810
• SAPD Non-Emergency: 210-207-7273
• In an emergency, always call 911.