SAN ANTONIO — For many, the holidays are a joyful time for family and traditions. However, family violence prevention workers warn they also present additional challenges for those experiencing domestic abuse.
“We see an increase in crisis calls, the number of people seeking our haven,” said Marta Prada Pelaez, the president and CEO of Family Violence Prevention Services. “So, yes, numbers increase. Not only at our shelter, but throughout the state and other coalitions throughout the United States. Many times, the expectations people have about the holidays is that everything is ideal and it’s musical, tender, full of love. It’s not that way in every home.”
On Friday, San Antonio police say a 21-year-old woman was gunned down by her boyfriend. Donevyn Bowie was arrested on a murder charge.
On Monday, Cibolo police officers were called to a home on Spring Fawn after a woman allegedly shot her husband. He was taken to the hospital in serious condition, according to investigators. Sonia Hammond, 37, was arrested and charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon - family violence.
“It is one of the most common calls that we get here in Cibolo; domestic disturbances,” said Officer Matt Schima, a public information officer for the Cibolo Police Department. “Men are often the [perpetrators], but we do see cases where women are the suspects in family violence situations. So, we can never assume. We go there as the mediators and we don’t arrive with any assumptions. Unfortunately, most of the time it is men, but we do see that women take part in this type of violence as well.”
Pelaez believes there are several factors driving the increase in domestic disturbances over the holidays.
“Financial issues, substance abuse issues, children’s issues, all kinds of things that are happening in families,” she said. “Bad things can happen and, certainly, we see it in the numbers.”
That’s why Officer Schima is encouraging people to call police any time they suspect family violence.
“Even if it seems insignificant,” he said. “If it’s the first time or the 20th time, please call us so we can help. We don’t want it to get worse. Unfortunately, too often those that are involved in family violence situations are too scared to reach out.”
For those experiencing domestic abuse, Pelaez has a message.
“That they can ask for help and that it’s never their fault,” she said.
While it’s too early to get statistics on family violence in Bexar County this year, Pelaez says the women’s shelter has exceeded pre-pandemic levels. She added the men’s shelter has helped more men in the last three years compared to the previous 50 years. However, Pelaez says most family violence survivors are children.
If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic abuse, please call the local crisis hotline at 210-733-8810. Volunteers answer the phone 24 hours a day, seven days a week including Christmas Day.