Behind the thousands of domestic violence calls made across San Antonio each year are individuals and families facing circumstances that can be frightening, isolating and difficult to escape. Some are seeking immediate protection, while others are trying to determine how to safely leave an abusive relationship or rebuild their lives afterward.

This October, the City of San Antonio and San Antonio Metropolitan Health District (Metro Health) are recognizing Domestic Violence Awareness and Prevention Month by honoring survivors, remembering lives lost and encouraging residents throughout Bexar County to become more aware of the resources available in their community.

The need for that awareness is significant. According to figures shared by the city and attributed to the Collaborative Commission on Domestic Violence (CCDV), the San Antonio Police Department and Bexar County Sheriff's Office responded to more than 58,000 family violence calls in 2025, averaging nearly seven calls every hour.

Those numbers represent calls for law enforcement assistance, not necessarily unique victims or confirmed criminal offenses. Still, they offer a sobering look at how frequently families across the San Antonio area are affected by domestic violence.

Domestic Violence Statistics Show the Impact on San Antonio Families

Domestic violence affects people across all neighborhoods, income levels, ages and backgrounds. It can involve physical harm, emotional abuse, intimidation, financial control, threats or isolation from friends and family.

For survivors, the consequences can extend beyond an immediate incident, affecting housing stability, employment, physical health, emotional well-being and children's sense of security.

The Collaborative Commission on Domestic Violence, a partnership involving the City of San Antonio, Bexar County and community organizations, works to strengthen prevention efforts and improve how local agencies respond to abuse.

The commission's 2024 Annual Statistical Data Report, released in December 2025, documented additional concerns across the community:

• 32 domestic violence-related homicides were reported in Bexar County in 2024, compared with 33 in 2023.
• 2,267 emergency protection orders were issued by magistrates.
• 1,568 applications for protective orders were filed in civil court.
• 919 individuals received emergency lodging assistance, while 1,093 sought safety in a family violence shelter.
• More than 19,000 people received nonresidential crisis advocacy services through city and county agencies.

These figures illustrate both the seriousness of domestic violence and the number of people seeking assistance through local support systems.

How San Antonio Metro Health Is Working to Prevent Domestic Violence

Through its partnership with the Collaborative Commission on Domestic Violence, Metro Health is working to expand public awareness, connect survivors with services and improve coordination among organizations responding to family violence.

The commission brings together law enforcement agencies, courts, prosecutors, healthcare professionals, nonprofit organizations and other community partners to address gaps in prevention and survivor support.

Its work also focuses on helping residents recognize warning signs of abuse, understand available protections and connect with assistance before situations become more dangerous.

In its 2025 Annual Progress Report, released in May 2026, the commission highlighted expanded public education efforts and stronger coordination among agencies serving survivors throughout Bexar County.

For families facing abuse, access to these services can mean having someone explain legal options, help create a safety plan or identify a place to stay during an emergency.

Where to Find Domestic Violence Help in San Antonio and Bexar County

Residents experiencing domestic violence, or those concerned about someone they know, have several local and national resources available.

San Antonio and Bexar County domestic violence assistance includes:

• 2-1-1: Connects residents with community services and assistance programs.

• 210-227-4357 (HELP): A local assistance number shared by the City of San Antonio during Domestic Violence Awareness Month.

• Family Violence Prevention Services: Call 210-733-8810 for 24-hour crisis assistance and information about shelter and support services.

• Bexar County Family Justice Center: Call 210-631-0100 for information about services and protective order assistance.

• San Antonio Police Department Non-Emergency: Call 210-207-7273 to connect with assistance, including crisis response advocates who can help with safety planning.

• National Domestic Violence Hotline: Call 1-800-799-SAFE (7233), text START to 88788 or visit thehotline.org for confidential support.

These resources are available to help individuals explore options without having to make every decision at once. Additional information is available through the city's official Domestic Violence Resources webpage.

Anyone facing immediate danger should call or text 911.

Recognizing Abuse and Supporting Someone Who Needs Help

One of the challenges surrounding domestic violence is that abuse is not always visible.

Controlling behavior, extreme jealousy, repeated threats, financial restrictions and attempts to isolate someone from loved ones can all be warning signs of an unhealthy or abusive relationship.

Friends, relatives, neighbors and coworkers may be among the first to notice when something seems wrong. Listening without judgment, expressing concern and sharing reliable resources can provide meaningful support.

Experts caution against pressuring someone to leave an abusive relationship before they have a safety plan. Leaving can be a particularly dangerous period, and survivors often face complicated concerns involving children, finances, housing and personal safety.

For San Antonio residents, Domestic Violence Awareness and Prevention Month offers an opportunity to learn more about these challenges while helping make resources easier to find and conversations about abuse less difficult to begin.

Building a Safer San Antonio Starts With Awareness and Community Support

The work of preventing domestic violence does not end when October is over.

For the City of San Antonio, Metro Health and their community partners, the ongoing goal is to strengthen prevention, improve access to assistance and help survivors find safety and stability.

For residents, that effort can begin with something as simple as knowing which number to call, recognizing when someone may need help or sharing a resource with a friend or family member.

Behind every statistic is a person whose safety and future matter. And behind every effort to prevent violence is an opportunity to help another San Antonio family move toward a safer tomorrow.

For more information about domestic violence prevention, survivor resources and community health initiatives, visit SA.gov/Health.

Stay connected with My Neighborhood News for more San Antonio and Bexar County public safety updates, community resources and local news that matters to residents and families.

By Tiffany Krenek, My Neighborhood News 

Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.

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