27 people were killed in an act of family violence in San Antonio in 2022. Approximately 18 were women, and 3 children died from family violence.
The Collaborative Commission on Domestic Violence went on to share that in 2022:
22,553 incidents of family violence were reported.
Over 1,600 petitions for protective orders were filed.
9,951 bookings for family violence were made.
This is more than troubling, it’s tragic. For each one of these reports, a person was injured and probably not for the first time. These reports most likely reflect physical abuse. No one sees how these domestic relationships potentially started with verbal, emotional, or mental abuse, which is just as damaging and has long-lasting side effects.
For each one of these reports, someone’s mom, dad, sister, brother, aunt, uncle, or friend was injured mentally and physically. Children have heard or witnessed abuse by one or both of their parents. Or the abuser may have been turned on them. Every child deserves a safe and secure home environment.
When a death occurs, a loved one is gone. They're missed. Family and friends have to learn how to move forward without them. Communities are shaken. Questions are asked.
Unfortunately, the question that is most often asked is, “Why did they stay?”
The question we should be asking is, “How can we help?”
The US Department of Health recognizes October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month and the theme is “#1 Thing” What is the one thing we can do as family members, friends, and neighbors:
Become educated
Learn to identify the warning signs
Learn how to help someone in an abusive relationship
If you know of someone with unhealthy, or harmful traits, encourage them to go to counseling and get help to change their behaviors.
Learn about creating a safety plan to escape harmful relationships
Tragedies can be avoided. Lives can be saved.
Take a few minutes to visit a website and learn more. Book a presentation for the parents of your child’s youth group, your place of business, or a group of moms. By educating ourselves, we’re shining a light on what is perceived to be a dark topic. Domestic violence is a subject we tend to turn away from, but by bringing it out into the light, we can save families.
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