Domestic violence deaths increase in Texas in 2014
The number of Texas women who died in domestic violence slayings increased by 11 percent to 132 last year, including 10 in Tarrant County, an advocacy group reported Wednesday.
The victims, ages 16 to 90, died at the hands of husbands, ex-husbands, partners, boyfriends or ex-boyfriends, according to a report released Wednesday by the Austin-based nonprofit Texas Council On Family Violence.
“This is an issue that crosses a lifespan,” council CEO Gloria Terry said, adding that most victims were in their 20s, 30s and 40s.
It’s not OK for men to abuse women. Real men don’t disrespect and objectify women.
Ken Shetter
executive director of One Safe PlaceThe report, Honoring Texas Victims: Family Violence Fatalities, was released Wednesday during a news conference at One Safe Place in Fort Worth. The Texas Council on Family Violence compiled the report based on data from the Texas Department of Public Safety, other law enforcement agencies and media reports.
Among the cases studied was a triple homicide in Fort Worth. Cedric McGinnis was recently sentenced to life in prison without parole for the June 2014 deaths of April Serrano; her mother, Cynthia Serrano; and aunt Kathy DeLeon.
If you don’t know anyone that has experienced domestic violence, you do. It is happening. One in 4 women.
Kathryn Jacob
CEO of Safe Haven of Tarrant CountyThe event also served to highlight Fort Worth’s One Safe Place, which offers a one-stop setting for victims of domestic violence. At One Safe Place, victims can work with law enforcement, counselors, prosecutors and other resources to emerge from the violence.
Aida Mitchell, who survived domestic violence, said she rebuilt her life with the help of Safe Haven of Tarrant County, a women’s shelter. She urged victims to seek help.
“Don’t wait,” Mitchell said.
Highlights from the report:
132 women were killed in 59 Texas counties in 2014, compared with 119 in 2013.
23 were killed in Harris County, the most in the state.
25 slayings were in North Texas, including 10 each in Tarrant and Dallas counties.
20 women were killed in Dallas County in 2013, compared with 11 in Tarrant County.
43 percent of the women killed had ended their relationship.
67 percent of the killers used a firearm.
90 was the age of the oldest victim.
Diane A. Smith: 817-390-7675, @dianeasmith1
This story was originally published October 14, 2015 at 3:09 PM with the headline "Domestic violence deaths increase in Texas in 2014."