As October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, the Austin Police Department’s (APD) Domestic Violence and Special Victims Intervention Unit (SVIU), APD Victim Services, and District 3 Council Member José Velásquez hope to raise awareness about domestic violence, encourage victims to come forward, and educate the public that anyone can be a victim of domestic violence.

The Domestic Violence Unit investigates felony and misdemeanor assaults involving family members, household or dating relationships, and all stalking incidents. They are also a part of the Austin-Travis County Family Violence Protection Team, a partnership of organizations that coordinate services provided by local law enforcement and various legal and social service agencies.

Over the last five years, the unit has investigated more than 7,800 domestic violence cases per year and that number spiked in 2020, with over 8,100 cases.

“Domestic violence impacts all segments of our society, regardless of race, income, immigration status, or other factors. No one deserves to feel unsafe at home, and no one deserves to be abused. The APD Domestic Violence Unit encourages anyone who needs help getting out of an abusive or violent relationship or household to make a report. Our detectives and counselors have resources to help, even if no criminal charges are pursued in a particular case,” said Domestic Violence Sergeant Tammy Varkony.

Assaults are the most reported family violence offense with aggravated offenses trending slightly upwards. Statistics show that domestic violence aggravated assaults are reported more than 1,000 times a year and assaults involving suffocation or strangulation are reported more than 600 times a year.

In 2023, over 3,500 arrests for family violence/domestic violence occurred and 2024 is projected to be similar. Eighteen out of Austin’s 74 homicides in 2023 were domestic violence related and so far in 2024, 12 out of Austin’s 54 homicides are domestic violence related.

The APD Domestic Violence Unit encourages victims to call 9-1-1 to report domestic violence; background and/or immigration status are irrelevant.

“Domestic violence does not discriminate. It affects individuals, families, and entire communities. This month, we renew our commitment to honoring survivors and to taking action to prevent violence and provide the resources needed for healing,” said Council Member José Velásquez. “I, along with my colleagues, am proud to continue supporting the critical work of the APD Domestic Violence Unit and working collaboratively to raise awareness because everyone deserves to live a life free from abuse.”

The APD Victim Services Division is dedicated to supporting survivors affected by domestic violence and other crime. The unit offers a range of essential on-scene and longer-term support services including counseling, crisis intervention, advocacy, trauma education, safety planning, and information & resources. Their goal is to empower survivors, provide compassionate assistance, and promote healing in a safe and supportive environment. If you or someone you know has been affected by crime or traumatic incident, call (512) 974-5037 or the National Domestic Violence Hotline 1-800-799-SAFE (7233).