{"id":434498,"date":"2025-12-09T01:24:17","date_gmt":"2025-12-09T01:24:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/434498\/"},"modified":"2025-12-09T01:24:17","modified_gmt":"2025-12-09T01:24:17","slug":"sapd-and-bcso-respond-to-7-domestic-violence-calls-hourly-how-city-leaders-are-pushing-for-change","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/434498\/","title":{"rendered":"SAPD and BCSO respond to 7 domestic violence calls hourly. How city leaders are pushing for change"},"content":{"rendered":"

SAN ANTONIO<\/strong> \u2013 San Antonio police officers and Bexar County sheriff\u2019s deputies respond to nearly seven domestic violence\u2013related calls every hour, a figure that underscores a long-standing problem in the region. While the issue persists, city leaders say more victims are coming forward \u2014 and that, they believe, is a sign of progress.<\/p>\n

For survivor Alejandra Leija, speaking out is part of her healing.<\/p>\n

\u201cThere were just so many red flags that I ignored,\u201d she said. Leija recalled first experiencing abuse as a teenager, a pattern that continued into adulthood.<\/p>\n

\u201cThere were violations, physical, mentally, psychologically and also sexually,\u201d she said. \u201cThe process of leaving that, it was, you know what, I really need to take time and get out of here the right way.\u201d<\/p>\n

Her story echoes what the Collaborative Commission on Domestic Violence has documented: domestic violence rates over the last three years have remained relatively unchanged.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt takes a long time to fix. Otherwise, we would have fixed it already if it were something quick,\u201d said Erica Haller Stevenson, violence prevention administrator for the city. \u201cJust because numbers don\u2019t change doesn\u2019t mean there\u2019s not progress on some fronts.\u201d<\/p>\n

Stevenson said the city is expanding the support available to victims, offering services that help survivors safely transition out of abusive environments.<\/p>\n

\u201cThey can find assistance finding a safe place to live, get help with expenses, find a job, get some counseling,\u201d she said. \u201cThere\u2019s really a lot of resources available to remove them from the situation that\u2019s abusive and help them become independent.\u201d<\/p>\n

Leija said those services helped her finally break her cycle of abuse. Now she hopes others gain the strength to do the same.<\/p>\n

\u201cFirst, have grace for yourself,\u201d she said. \u201cIf you find yourself in this situation, it\u2019s OK. But you yourself have the power to say no more. I am hope \u2014 and so are you.\u201d<\/p>\n

If you or someone you know is dealing with domestic violence, there is so much help for you. KSAT has a <\/b>list of resources<\/b><\/a> on its <\/b>Domestic Violence webpage<\/b><\/a>, which also explains how to identify different types of abuse.<\/b><\/p>\n

If it\u2019s an emergency, text or call 911. For wrap-around services, including the Battered Women and Children\u2019s Shelter, call <\/b>Family Violence Prevention Services <\/b><\/a>at (210) 733-8810.<\/b><\/p>\n

You can also contact the <\/b>Bexar County Family Justice Center<\/b><\/a>, which also provides wrap-around services at (210) 631-0100.<\/b><\/p>\n

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