Impact San Antonio has a well-earned reputation as a substantial funder that awards High Impact Grants to area nonprofits with the aim of transforming lives. We also provide opportunities for our members and the community to learn more about the critical issues that affect the Greater San Antonio community, such as breaking the silence surrounding domestic violence. On July 16th, we hosted a panel discussion with key leaders working to reduce the growth of domestic violence.
Our community issues forum, held in partnership with UTSA’s College for Health, Community and Policy, helped put a spotlight on what domestic violence is and the resources available for all those affected. The event was well attended and drew media attention.
We learned that domestic violence is clearly a persistent and significant issue in our community:
- 1 in 3 women in San Antonio experience domestic violence
- In 2022, 10 women and 2 men were murdered in Bexar County by someone they loved
- Domestic violence doesn’t discriminate regardless of race, age, sexual orientation, relationship status, or socioeconomic standing.
The panel included Marta Prada Peláez, president/CEO, Family Violence Prevention Services, Inc. (a 2021 High Impact Grant recipient), Civil District Court judge Monique Diaz, and speakers from the Bexar County District Attorney’s office, San Antonio Police, as well as domestic violence survivors.
Most of our panelists serve on the Collaborative Commission on Domestic Violence. This commission is the first in Bexar County to formally convene local leaders in government, the judiciary, law enforcement, prosecution, non-profits, health care organizations, and educational institutions who meet regularly to address domestic violence. Its mission is to work collaboratively to empower our community to increase safety and justice for all by preventing and effectively intervening in domestic violence and its inter-generational impact.
The CCDV is a strong step in the right direction, but it needs more community support if we are to tackle the dynamics of domestic violence and its far-reaching consequences on the safety, recovery, and resiliency of families, especially children.
As Impact San Antonio marks its 20th year as a collective-giving, grant-making organization we remain committed to expanding philanthropy in San Antonio. We also maintain our promise to evolve as community needs change and to stay abreast of other community initiatives. Community issues forums, like the one we hosted this week, helps us to make informed choices as we award our multiple $100,000 High Impact Grants each year.
