San Antonio Landmarks Glow Purple as Bexar County Confronts 28 Family-Violence Deaths From Last Year

San Antonio landmarks are glowing purple as officials and advocates look for ways to protect victims of domestic violence. The Bexar County Commissioners Court issued a proclamation Tuesday recognizing October as National Domestic Violence Awareness Month, calling family violence a "serious and pervasive issue" that "requires our collective commitment to supporting survivors, strengthening families, promoting healthy relationships and creating communities where future generations can experience safety, healing, resilience and hope." The Alamodome, Tower of the Americas, Bexar County Courthouse and other public buildings are lit purple as part of Purple Porch SA, an initiative that encourages residents and businesses to light their buildings purple in honor of survivors and victims.

Last year, 28 people died as a result of family violence, including five children, according to new data released by the city-county Collaborative Commission on Domestic Violence, which was formed in 2019 to address a rise in domestic violence-related deaths. The Bexar County Sheriff's Office has recorded 10 domestic violence fatalities this year, two of them in October, according to Sheriff Javier Salazar; the number does not include violent deaths investigated by the San Antonio Police Department, which could not provide a year-to-date total. In at least four domestic violence killings reported this year, law enforcement had previously responded to reports of abuse involving the same victim, and the deaths have prompted the commission to take a deeper look at how civil and criminal courts handle family violence cases.

Civil District Judge Monique Diaz, who co-chairs the domestic violence commission, told commissioners court that calls to 211 for domestic violence resources nearly doubled last year, and visits to a resource website posted in San Antonio restrooms rose by 34%. "We believe that more people are coming out to ask for help because they are having more confidence in the system and they know that the help is there," Diaz said. About 75% of misdemeanor family violence cases and 81% of felony family violence cases filed by the district attorney's office last year resulted in a conviction, an acquittal or pretrial diversion, according to the data presented.

Family Violence Prevention Services operates the Battered Women and Children's Shelter at 7911 Broadway, where survivors can access support groups, legal help and housing assistance. Anyone affected by domestic violence can contact the organization 24/7 by calling 210-733-8810. Anyone experiencing suicidal thoughts can call or text 988 to reach the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, and the Center for Health Care Services operates a 24-hour crisis and substance use helpline in Bexar County at 1-800-316-9241 or 210-223-7233.