Domestic violence – also called intimate partner violence, domestic abuse or relationship abuse – is a pattern of behaviors used by one partner to maintain power and control over another partner in an intimate relationship.
This includes physical, emotional, sexual, economic and psychological abuse, as well as stalking, cyberstalking and threats.
Ten million people are abused by an intimate partner every year, according to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, and domestic violence cases in Texas have increased in recent years.
In 2016, Bexar County had one of the highest number of domestic violence homicides in the state, according to the Texas Council on Family Violence. Across Texas, 656 women were killed by a domestic partner that same year.
The number of women killed in Bexar County by a male intimate partner tripled from five in 2014 to 20 as of September 2018.
However, domestic violence doesn't discriminate. Anyone can be a victim of domestic violence, regardless of race, age, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or economic status.
What are some of the warning signs? What can be done to intervene and help individuals or families who are impacted by violence in the home?
How can law enforcement, first responders and other professionals help strengthen the community's response to preventing domestic violence?
The bi-annual SAPD Violence Intervention Conference is scheduled for Oct. 11 & 12. Find more information here. Call 210-733-8810 or visit www.fvps.org for more information about resources in San Antonio.
Guests:
- Marta Peláez, CEO of Family Violence Prevention Services
- Marisa Balderas, attorney and director of legal services for FVPS
- Ray Rios, prevention manager for the Texas Council on Family Violence
"The Source" is a live call-in program airing Mondays through Thursdays from 12-1 p.m. During the live show, call 210-614-8980, email thesource@tpr.org or tweet at @TPRSource.
*Audio from this interview will be available by 3:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 3
