Online platform finds available shelter beds for domestic violence survivors as shelters hit capacity
Finding freedom from domestic violence seems impossible when many shelters are at capacity. That's why the organization The Family Place created an online portal to help shelters find available beds elsewhere.
Records: Misdemeanor family violence dismissals reach 80% in Bexar County
Bexar County District Attorney Joe Gonzales this week announced changes to how his office will prosecute misdemeanor family violence matters after internal records obtained by KSAT Investigates showed the dismissal rate for these type of cases had reached 80%.
New SAPD substation ‘safe rooms’ offer comfort, privacy to abuse survivors giving statements
Abuse survivors coming into police stations to give statements are being given a private, calming and comfortable space. It's helping them give better statements while allowing them a safe place to talk to victims advocates.
‘Would I have to be dead?’: Domestic violence victim questions DA plea deal that gave attacker no jail time
A San Antonio woman severely beaten by her boyfriend inside his East Side apartment said she has been let down by the criminal justice system after her attacker was given a plea deal that included no jail time.
Immigrants in abusive relationships usually threatened with deportation, so they never get help
Immigrants are a specific group of abuse survivors that are typically threatened with the same thing that keeps them from getting help — deportation. They are told they have nowhere else to go, but a local mom wants victims to know there is somewhere to go.
Edgewood officer arrested, accused of ‘launching’ woman into table, injuring her hand, wrist and knee
An Edgewood Independent School District Police Department officer was arrested earlier this month after a woman told sheriff’s deputies he injured her wrist and knee during a domestic violence incident, records show.
SAPD: Man with history of violence told ex he was taking her to see her dead parents, sent photos of large holes he dug
A San Antonio man with a history of violent offenses is accused of telling his ex-girlfriend he was taking her to see her dead parents and sent her photos of large holes in the ground he dug, a warrant obtained by KSAT Investigates shows.
Record deaths in Texas as Supreme Court decides whether some domestic violence perpetrators can have guns
In 2022, 216 Texans were killed by intimate partners. That's the second-highest number on record. Those numbers came out as a Supreme Court case began, debating whether perpetrators with civil protective orders should be able to have guns.
Don’t let a language barrier stop you from getting help with domestic violence
Many domestic violence victims who don't speak English avoid reaching out for help. However, a survivor in San Antonio wants others to know there are translation services that can help you and your family escape dangerous situations.
How to have situational awareness in an abusive relationship
To get out of an abusive relationship, you first have to realize that you're in one, but it can be difficult to detect at first. That's why author Kelly Sayre became an expert and wrote a book called Sharp Women on situational awareness for women in dangerous relationships.
Sheriff: 2 children escape after 3 teens, man killed in apparent murder-suicide
Three teenage girls, 13, 14, and 19 were killed before a 38-year-old man killed himself, Harris County Sheriff Ed Gonzalez said. The man was believed to be in a relationship with the mother of two of the teens. She was not home at the time.
Bexar County judicial system calls for self-review of family violence cases
The Bexar County Judicial System is ready for accountability when it comes to their collective handling of family violence cases. That accountability has been demanded by the county and some of the judges themselves, with direction from the Collaborative Commission on Domestic Violence.
Is there generational domestic violence in your family? One woman is taking action in hopes of breaking the cycle
It's common for those who are abused either continue to become consistent victims, or even become abusers themselves. That's why it's crucial to stop the cycle before passing it on even further.
After 13 years in abusive relationship, San Antonio woman begins using her voice for good
After 13 years of domestic violence, a San Antonio woman is free. Just months into her recovery, she's finding her voice and using it for good. In July she will be the keynote speaker for a violence awareness event.
‘It’s been a lot work’: More than half of backlogged domestic violence cases resolved in less than 2 months
Earlier this year, the Bexar County courts were approved to have two additional judges help with the backlog in domestic violence cases. That backlog has been cut by about 60% in less than two months.
Stress from recent price hikes, economic strain can fuel domestic violence
When stress rises, so does family violence. It’s a trend seen locally and nationwide, according to Family Violence Prevention Services. Experts say recent economic stress is to blame for an increase in calls to the local shelter.
What’s Up South Texas! Woman turns her painful past into a resilient future for victims of violent crimes
A San Antonio woman is turning her painful past into a bright and resilient future for victims of violent crimes across south Texas. Margaret Fernandez is the founder and CEO of the non-profit 3rd Street Closet.
‘He’s a predator:’ Ex-wife of twice-fired officer worries he’ll win his job back again
SAPD Officer Javier Perales Jr. received two indefinite suspensions in about as many months. The first was in November 2017 for threatening his ex-wife and her father, a cancer patient. As he tries to appeal the second case, his ex-wife tells us why she believes the alleged victim.
Longtime San Antonio domestic violence prevention advocate elected to head state coalition
When it comes to domestic violence Marta Pelaez is already a highly-coveted leader for her knowledge on the subject. She said she is thrilled to take that knowledge and help tackle domestic violence issues statewide.
San Antonio police officer fired after botching domestic violence call, striking cyclist in separate incident
The San Antonio Police Department issued two indefinite suspensions for an officer who mishandled a domestic violence call and struck a cyclist with his car in a separate incident, according to records recently obtained by KSAT 12 News.
Criminal charges against fired SAPD officer dismissed days before he was scheduled for arbitration
A San Antonio police officer fired last year after being arrested in two separate domestic violence related incidents was able to get the charges in both cases dismissed this week, Bexar County court records show.
State’s push to teach teens about domestic violence, teen dating falls short, SA councilman says
San Antonio councilman Manny Pelaez is asking that city council consider a request to mandate that any school district or university that takes city funds teach family violence, teen dating, or sex trafficking to students, without the option to opt-out.
Advocates concerned about high rate of domestic violence in San Antonio
Advocates say San Antonio’s domestic violence rate is at epidemic levels. Local organizations are tackling this issue and shared details about what’s happening in our community and their strategy to save lives during Friday’s State of Domestic Violence event.
‘My mugshot is going to go out on the news’: Fired SAPD detective worried about publicity during family violence arrest
Days before a fired San Antonio police detective is scheduled for arbitration, records obtained by the KSAT 12 Defenders show he was worried about negative publicity and claimed the only reason he was in custody for family violence was because he was a cop.
Sheriff: Suspect sought after taking child, leading Bexar County deputies on chase
A 40-year-old man is on the run after he assaulted two people, took his child by force, led Bexar County sheriff’s deputies on a chase and escaped despite being shocked with a Taser, Bexar County Sheriff Javier Salazar said.
Deputies searching for man who assaulted 2 people before taking child, leading BCSO on chase, sheriff says
A 40-year-old man is on the run after he assaulted two people, took his child by force, led Bexar County sheriff’s deputies on a chase and escaped despite being shocked with a Taser, Bexar County Sheriff Javier Salazar said.