Bexar County is facing a critical issue: domestic violence, as shown in the latest report from the Collaborative Commission on Domestic Violence (CCDV). In their "2023 Annual Statistical Report," the CCDV paints a numeric picture of the local struggle against this pervasive social crisis, as they merge data from law enforcement, justice systems, healthcare, and non-profits, striving for a holistic approach to understanding and tackling the problem.
As reported by the CCDV, one-quarter of adults and children assessed for mental health services indicated that they had witnessed family violence at some point in their lives, reflecting not just past incidents but the lasting impact on future generations. Additionally, 22,000 family violence offense reports were filed, a staggering statistic that likely hides many untold stories. Meanwhile, about 3,000 individuals found refuge in shelters or emergency lodging, highlighting the community's active response to provide safe havens from abusive environments.
Direct support services played a vital role, with 17,000-plus individuals accessing non-residential crisis support, and more than 2,500 emergency protections orders were lighting paths to safety, alongside 1,700 temporary and final protective orders that were granted, solidifying walls of legal defense for those in peril. Beyond the numbers, the report urges the community to consider important questions about support systems and our role in addressing domestic violence.
The CCDV's commitment to progress and transparency extends beyond their report—it is reflected in their ongoing collaboration with various entities. As CCDV Co-Chair, Honorable Judge Monique Diaz stated, the indicators chosen for the report "help provide a clearer, more comprehensive understanding of the way domestic violence impacts survivors, family members, and people who have used harm." This sentiment was echoed by María Villagómez, San Antonio Deputy City Manager and CCDV Co-Chair, who stressed the importance of shared indicators to truly assess the state of domestic violence in the community, as per a report by CCDV.
For anyone grappling with the tendrils of domestic violence, avenues of immediate help are open—by calling the Family Violence Prevention Services 24/7 Hotline at 210-733-8810—or—for those outside Bexar County, reaching out to the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233).
