October marks Domestic Violence Awareness Month, a time to shine a light on the pervasive problem of intimate partner violence that touches families across Texas and the nation. Recent federal and state data underscore the scale of the issue and the urgent need for community vigilance and support.

National prevalence and recent CDC findings

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) defines intimate partner violence as physical, sexual, stalking, or psychological aggression by a current or former romantic partner. Their latest National Intimate Partner and Sexual Violence Survey estimates that roughly 34% of U.S. women—about 43.5 million—have experienced contact sexual violence, physical violence, or stalking by an intimate partner in their lifetimes. Among men, the comparable figure is about 17%, or 20.7 million.

During the 12‑month period covered by the survey, an estimated 6.7 million women and 2.8 million men reported at least one of these forms of abuse. The survey, conducted from September 2023 through September 2024 with 15,609 adult respondents, notes that methodological changes prevent direct comparison with earlier editions.

Texas-specific data shows the local impact

The Texas Department of Public Safety’s 2025 “Crime in Texas” report recorded 240,925 family‑violence offenses involving 241,015 victims statewide. Simple assault accounted for the largest share (169,100 offenses), followed by aggravated assault (31,613), intimidation (26,490), rape (4,939) and kidnapping or abduction (3,072). The report also documented 415 murder or non‑negligent manslaughter offenses designated as family‑violence cases. DPS cautions that a single incident can involve multiple offenses and victims, so these totals do not represent unique incidents.

The Texas Council on Family Violence’s most recent “Honoring Texas Victims” report recorded 161 Texans killed by an intimate partner in 2024. Firearms were used in 71% of those killings, and in 34% of cases the perpetrator also died by suicide. Seventy‑five percent of victims had previously sought help to end or escape the abuse, while 66% of perpetrators had a known history of violence.

Teen dating violence and the hidden toll on children

The CDC also highlights teen dating violence as a subset of intimate partner violence. In the 2021 Youth Risk Behavior Survey, about 1 in 12 high‑school students who dated reported physical dating violence, and roughly 1 in 10 reported sexual dating violence. Experts warn that seemingly minor behaviors—teasing, name‑calling, or ordinary conflict—can evolve into serious abuse.

Children who witness domestic violence are not immune. The CDC classifies such exposure as an adverse childhood experience (ACE), which can have lasting health and behavioral effects. In the 2023 Youth Risk Behavior Survey, 18.6% of high‑school students under 18 reported having witnessed intimate partner violence.

Recognizing warning signs and safety planning

The National Domestic Violence Hotline lists several red flags: extreme jealousy, isolation from family or friends, control of finances, preventing work or school attendance, repeated humiliation, sexual coercion, threats against children or pets, property destruction, and intimidation involving weapons. Technology adds another layer of control—phones, GPS devices, and online accounts can be used to monitor a victim without their knowledge.

Friends, relatives, neighbors, teachers, and pastors can play a crucial role by observing changes in behavior—such as increased isolation, fear of partner calls, or unexplained injuries—and offering non‑judgmental support. The Hotline advises against confronting an abuser directly, as this can increase danger. Instead, they recommend helping the survivor develop a personalized safety plan that may include securing a safe phone line, arranging transportation, documenting abuse when possible, and ensuring the safety of children and pets.

Community resources and next steps

Local organizations across Texas provide shelter, legal assistance, counseling, and advocacy for survivors. The Hotline encourages anyone concerned to reach out for guidance on safety planning, resource referrals, or simply to listen without judgment. As Domestic Violence Awareness Month approaches, the message is clear: awareness, early intervention, and community support can save lives and protect families.

Original reporting: The Dallas Express — read the source article.