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Self Help: Domestic Violence

List of topics and resources in the library and also, city, state and nationwide.

In the Library--Domestic Violence

eBooks

Statistically Speaking

In 2016, Bexar County had one of the highest number of domestic violence homicides in the state. Not a statistic of which to be proud.

What Is Domestic Violence?

Domestic violence (also called intimate partner violence (IPV), domestic abuse or relationship abuse) is a pattern of behaviors used by one partner to maintain power and control over another partner in an intimate relationship.

Domestic violence does not discriminate. Anyone of any race, age, sexual orientation, religion or gender can be a victim – or perpetrator – of domestic violence. It can happen to people who are married, living together or who are dating. It affects people of all socioeconomic backgrounds and education levels.

When people think of domestic abuse, they often focus on domestic violence. But domestic abuse includes any attempt by one person in an intimate relationship or marriage to dominate and control the other. Domestic violence and abuse are used for one purpose and one purpose only: to gain and maintain total control over you. An abuser doesn’t “play fair.” An abuser uses fear, guilt, shame, and intimidation to wear you down and keep you under their thumb.

 The bottom line is that abusive behavior is never acceptable, whether from a man, woman, teenager, or an older adult. You deserve to feel valued, respected, and safe.

Local Assistance

Our Mission

The mission of Family Violence Prevention Services, Inc. is to break the cycle of family violence and to strengthen families by providing the necessary tools for self-sufficiency through the delivery of emergency shelter, transitional housing, education, effective parenting and early intervention with adults, children, youth and the elderly.

Family Violence Prevention Services, Inc. (FVPS) has expanded its services over the last forty years. Today, FVPS is able to offer residential and non-residential clients shelter, transitional housing, counseling for adults, children, families, and legal services. These services help individuals and families recover from the pain and longer-term effects of domestic violence.

Crisis Hotline: Please call (210) 733-8810 to speak with a Hotline specialist, 24 Hours a Day, 365 Days a Year.

 

The Family Justice Center (FJC) is a collaborative community response to domestic violence. It is the co-location of a multidisciplinary team of professionals who work together, under one roof, to provide coordinated services to victims of domestic violence.

While a FJC may house many partners, the basic partners include victim advocates, counselors, law enforcement and prosecutors. This strategic and coordinated utilization of services increases the potential of success for victims of domestic violence.

The first and largest online and mobile searchable directory of domestic violence programs and shelters and a leading source of helpful tools and information for people experiencing and working to end domestic violence.

The mission: make more people aware of the services available for those experiencing domestic violence and make it faster and easier for victims of domestic violence and their friends/family, as well as program and shelter providers, to quickly find services and information best suited to their location, language and needs.

Our Mission

The mission of P.E.A.C.E. (Putting an End to Abuse Through Community Efforts) Initiative is to educate the community about the extent, and often-deadly consequences of domestic violence and to respond effectively through collaborative efforts.

The P.E.A.C.E. Initiative is a diverse coalition of grassroots organizations, public and private institutions and individuals working collaboratively to eradicate family violence through education and mobilization.

Through our education and advocacy efforts, we are improving the community response to domestic violence and building a network of skilled, energetic advocates making a difference in the community.

San AntonioTexas Domestic Violence Legal Aid

& Pro Bono Services

Need legal help? Here's a list of attorneys who might take on your case for free!

Women's shelters in San Antonio

Database is also searchable by zip code or city name.

Texas Advocacy Center Logo

DISCOVER FREEDOM

Everyone deserves safety and has the right to live free from abuse.
The process may feel overwhelming and scary, but
Texas Advocacy Project is with you each step of the way.

The Project provides free legal services to domestic violence, sexual assault and stalking victims anywhere in Texas. 

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Texas Legal Service Center

Overcoming Violence, Abuse, and Stalking

Helping individuals who've experienced domestic violence, sexual abuse, and other crimes stay safe, receive financial compensation, and work through numerous legal considerations.

All of our services are free to those who qualify. Visit tlsc.org or call us at 800-622-2520 to learn more.

Safer Path Family Violence Center Logo

Our Mission

Create awareness of family violence and sexual assault

Empower victims

Support Survivors' healing

Create safe and abuse-free communities

 

Making a Difference in San Antonio: Safer Path FVS

"Since 1992, the Safer Path Family Violence Shelter (Safer Path FVS) has been providing services and resources to victims of domestic violence and sexual assault in Atascosa County and the surrounding areas."

eVideos

 

TEDTalks : Leslie Morgan Steiner - Why domestic violence victims don't leave.

Leslie Morgan Steiner was in "crazy love"--That is, madly in love with a man who routinely abused her and threatened her life. Steiner tells the dark story of her relationship, correcting misconceptions many people hold about victims of domestic violence, and explaining how we can all help break the silence. "(Filmed at TEDxRainier.).

 

Domestic Violence and Children

What effects do the sights and sounds of domestic violence have on the malleable minds of children? In this program, ABC News anchor Hugh Downs seeks to answer that question through interviews with Betsy McAlister-Groves, director of the Child Witness to Violence Project at Boston Medical Center, and some of the deeply scarred children who have seen and heard far too much. (14 minutes)

 

"This is a story about men who have perpetrated, or are at risk of perpetrating, family violence. At stake is the safety of children and partners, the stability of families, and the power we as a society have to intervene. These men struggle to maintain intimate relationships without resorting to abuse, physical or otherwise. We follow a group of men who have all committed acts of violence and intimidation against their families, but desperately want to change. Meeting once a week, these men attempt to take responsibility for their violence, change themselves— and perhaps heal fragile bonds with their loved ones."

 

I Believe You: Faiths’ Response to Intimate Partner Violence is an extraordinary interfaith documentary that explores the stories of survivors of abuse and the response of faith groups to address their needs...faith groups are exploring ways to support, advocate for and help aid the healing of those who have been harmed by abuse. The program is filled with the hard won wisdom of survivors and the insight and understanding of clergy and program leaders.

On the Web

National Domestic Violence Hotline Logo

The Hotline® is the only 24/7 center in the nation that has access to service providers and shelters across the U.S. today,

We envision a world where all relationships are positive, healthy, and free from violence.We answer the call to support and shift power back to people affected by relationship abuse.

For more than 20 years, the National Resource Center on Domestic Violence (NRCDV) has been a comprehensive source of information for those wanting to educate themselves and help others on the many issues related to domestic violence.

Database/Online Source Search Terms

Intimate partner violence

Violence against women

Intergenerational relationships

Family psychology

Family psychotherapy

Abused women/men

Family violence