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It’s a pervasive problem. And in Bexar County and Texas, the numbers show domestic violence is an increasingly deadly problem.

But every single day, there are people working to help save lives and get survivors out of their abusive relationships. One of the tools at their disposal is protective orders. But when it comes to what protective orders are and what they actually do, there’s often confusion.

In this episode of KSAT Explains, we’re breaking down what you need to know about protective orders, as well as hearing from two domestic violence survivors about their experiences and how they got out.

(Watch the full episode on-demand in the video player above.)

SMART. IN-DEPTH. LOCAL: Click here for more episodes of KSAT Explains

Stories of survival: Meet two women who got out of their domestic violence situations

For this episode, we talked to two brave women who survived their abusive relationships and are now on the other side. Elizabeth Rejino, and another survivor who asked that we conceal her identity, are two very different people with very different experiences. But they both escaped their abusers, thanks in part to being able to successfully apply for protective orders.

Click the video player below to hear their stories.

Just a piece of paper?: Protective orders and the Bexar County Family Justice Center

The Bexar County Family Justice Center is one of several local agencies that helps victims of violence.

“What’s fantastic about it is you’re bringing all these different agencies and disciplines, professionals to one location under one roof to be able to provide those services to survivors. So survivors don’t have to go all over town trying to connect the dots for the services they need,” said Crystal Chandler, the executive director of the Bexar County Family Justice Center. “The center acts to connect those dots for them, whatever their particular need is, whether it be with our onsite providers or our community partners that are off site and doing warm referrals.”

The center offers adult counseling, child therapy, clothing, legal help, financial literacy courses and other resources.

The center also houses the Protective Order Unit, which includes victim advocates, paralegals, prosecutors and an investigator to help victims through the process of obtaining a protective order.

A protective order is often confused with a restraining order. Restraining orders are used in civil lawsuits. They can be used to protect a person or property. If an abuser violates a protective order, the consequences can be severe. They can be arrested or charged with a crime.

“Some people say that protective orders are just a piece of paper and, I guess, in a way they are, but how they empower a victim, a survivor and their children is priceless,” Chandler said.

Most of the center’s referrals come from law enforcement or an outside agency.

“Nine times out of 10 with law enforcement, they’re being referred to us to get a protective order to remove either the abuser from the situation or get the victim and the children out of this situation,” said Nathan Hanson, a crime victim liaison.

The Family Justice Center doesn’t grant protective orders. There is a process that the center will walk victims through before a district court judge can sign off on an order. Advocates and staff will talk with victims to find out what the best plan of action is for each victim. A protective order may not be for every person.

“Maybe the client just wants counseling. Maybe they’re not ready to leave their abuser because that’s all they’ve known,” Hanson said.

A victim can fill out an intake form online if they would like to seek a protective order. They can also call the center at 210-631-0100 and staff will help them fill out the form over the phone.

Once the form is completed, a crime victim liaison will contact the victim to gather more information.

“Within 24 hours, a member of the staff is reaching back out to them, making contact and following up on their interview,” said Jordan Cadenhead, a felony prosecutor.

The victim must also fill out a danger assessment, which will provide the center with a score to determine the level of risk for each applicant.

“During the danger assessment, it’s measuring the lethality score. How serious of an incident it is. How likely is it that the abuser has the ability to kill our victims,” Hanson said

If a victim indicates that a weapon was used during their abuse or that they were strangled, that would indicate their case needs to be placed on a high-risk list. The staff will move quickly to file a temporary protective order.

“We’re talking three days. That’s how quickly they move through applying for a protective order to having a temporary protective order that’s effective and in full force and effect. And that’s a conservative number. Most of the time, it’s done within 24 hours,” Cadenhead said.

A low score on the assessment doesn’t necessarily mean the victim will not get placed on the high-risk list. Cadenhead said the staff may notice red flags that the assessment wasn’t able to capture.

During the process, a victim will also work with an advocate who can help with evidence for their case.

The Bexar County District Attorney’s Office list the following items that can bolster protective order applications:

A police report or a police report case number.If a police report has not been made, the Family Justice Center can offer guidance.Photo(s) of injuries.Copies of electronic communications between the victim and abuser (e-mails, social media chats).Letter(s) received from the abuser.Video and audio recording(s) from the abuser.A current address for the abuser.Valid state identification document.

Once a judge reviews an application and decides to grant a temporary protective order, the victim will be issued a date for a permanent protective order hearing. The abuser is then served with a notice of the hearing and any orders approved by the judge.

Serving the protective order is Yvette Martinez’s job. She’s an investigator with the Bexar County Criminal District Attorney’s Office. She told us that the job of tracking down the abuser is sometimes a tricky one.

“I use a lot of law enforcement tools, and I run people through to find where they live, where they work,” she said. “It’s basically all hours of the day and night.”

The staff at the center understand that this process can be arduous. They understand that protective orders are not bulletproof vests. Some of them have lost clients.

“I specifically remember … one of the clients that had just been through our office, left our office and she was murdered outside of our office,” said Irma Alvarez, the center’s Protective Order Supervisor. “We felt horrible. There [are] no words to say.”

Combating domestic violence

It may be impossible to end domestic violence. There are no clear-cut, easy solutions, but it’s important not to turn away from the problem. Because combating domestic violence requires awareness and compassion.

According to the Texas Council on Family Violence, 228 Texans died because of domestic violence last year – a 23 percent increase from 2019. In Bexar County, 17 people died due to domestic violence in 2020, compared to 13 in 2019.

Knowing how to spot red flags is key to prevention. Here are a few, courtesy of the National Domestic Violence Hotline:

Embarrassing or putting you downControlling who you see, where you go, or what you doKeeping you or discouraging you from seeing your friends or familyPreventing you from making your own decisionsPreventing you from working or attending schoolBlaming you for the abuse, or acting like it’s not really happeningDestroying your property or threatening to hurt or kill your petsThreatening to commit suicide because of something you’ve done

If you know someone in a domestic violence situation, compassion and patience can go a long way. The experts we talked to said a fear of being judged and not being believed are some of the factors that stop victims from reaching out for help.

But reaching out is the first step.

Now that the unidentified survivor we spoke to is no longer living with her abuser, she’s able to enjoy some of the simple things that many others might take for granted.

“I’m able to sleep. I am able to buy myself the basic necessities,” she said. “I’m furthering my education.”

Rejino told us there are beautiful things on the other side of this struggle.

“So don’t give up,” she said. “I’ve seen people give up and they end up right back in the same position.”

Domestic violence resources if you or someone you know needs help:

National Domestic Violence Hotline: Call 1-800-799-7233 or text “START” to 88788Bexar County Family Justice Center: Call 210-631-0100Family Violence Prevention Services: Call 210-733-8810Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline: Call 1-800-422-4453National Sexual Assault Hotline: Call 1-800-656-4673Rape Crisis Center: Call 210-349-7273StrongHearts Native Helpline: Call 1-844-762-8483SAPD Non-Emergency Line: Call 210-207-7273Trans Lifeline: Call 1-877-565-8860

The Justice Department announced Wednesday that it has opened a statewide investigation into the conditions of five Texas juvenile correctional facilities.

The investigation comes on the heels of reports of sexual and physical abuse that have plagued the Texas Juvenile Justice Department for years.

While the announcement didn’t list any specific allegations that have been brought against the TJJD, there have been several arrests of TJJD staff in recent months.

Devin King, 29, was arrested Friday for allegedly touching the breast of an 18-year-old detainee while he worked as a detention officer, according to the Texas Tribune. That incident was first reported in July – the same month Gov. Greg Abbott tasked the Texas Rangers with investigating reports of illegal behavior at the TJJD.

Abbott wrote a letter to the Director of the Texas Department of Public Safety and said that certain TJJD staff were allegedly engaging in potentially illegal behavior with TJJD youth.

One month prior, former juvenile detention officer Ramon Montanya, 31, was taken into custody for a June 2019 incident. Montanya was seen on camera restraining a 13-year-old by placing the child’s arm behind his back and then lifting his arms up. Montanya then hyperextended the child’s arm, fracturing his shoulder.

Todd Hanks, 50, was also arrested in June on charges of indecency with a child and sexual contact with a person in custody. Hanks was suspended without pay before an interview with TJJD’s Office of the Inspector General, before being fired and arrested.

According to the feds, the investigation will examine whether the state is providing children at the facilities “reasonable protection from physical and sexual abuse by staff and other residents.”

Investigators are also looking into excessive use of chemical restraints, excessive use of isolation and whether the state provides adequate mental health care.

“Too often children held in juvenile detention facilities are subject to abuse and mistreatment, and deprived of their constitutional rights,” said assistant attorney general for the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division Kristen Clarke.

The Justice Department said in the release that no conclusions have been reached in regards to any allegations.

The investigation will be conducted under the Civil Rights of Institutionalized Persons Act (CRIPA) and the Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act, according to the Justice Department.

Both statutes give federal investigators the authority to “investigate systemic violations of the rights of young people in juvenile correctional facilities.”

Executive Director of the Texas Juvenile Justice Department Camille Cain said “the Texas Juvenile Justice Department will cooperate fully with the United States Department of Justice. We all share the same goals for the youth in our care: providing for their safety, their effective rehabilitation, and the best chance for them to lead productive, fulfilling lives. That has been the agency’s mission since I joined TJJD, and it remains our constant focus.”

Anyone with relevant information is encouraged to contact the department via phone at 1-866-432-0438 or by email at TX.Juveniles@usdoj.gov.

Related:

TJJD: Youth development coach arrested after sexual contact with minor at Texas juvenile detention centerTexas Juvenile Justice Department employee accused of improper sexual activity, arrested“They are hurting them”: Advocacy groups ask feds to investigate sexual assaults, gang violence in Texas youth lockups

San Antonio’s COVID-19 risk level lowered to “mild” this week for the first time in months, but local officials are still urging people to take precautions to further slow the spread of COVID-19.

That means continuing the drive for vaccines, masks and “whatever we can to beat this pandemic,” Mayor Ron Nirenberg Tweeted this week.

Health officials are also encouraging people to get the COVID-19 vaccine booster shot if they are eligible.

Booster shots are available for Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine recipients who completed their two-shot regimen at least six months ago, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The patient must also be 65 years or older; or they can be at least 18 years old and live in long-term care settings, have underlying medical conditions, work in high-risk settings, or live in high-risk settings.

If you qualify and would like to get the booster shot, here are some options on where to go:

Alamodome: The Metropolitan Health District is offering the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine booster shot on Wednesdays-Fridays at the Alamodome. The drive-thru vaccine clinic will be open from noon-8 p.m. on those days. No appointment is necessary, but people can book a spot online. Individuals will need to take their immunization cards to confirm their two previous inoculations.Costco: The wholesale grocery chain says COVID-19 vaccine availability varies by location. To schedule an appointment, click here.CVS: The Pfizer booster shot is available at all 495 locations in Texas. Those interested are encouraged to make an appointment online at CVS.com or MinuteClinic.com to make sure their preferred time, date and location is available. When scheduling an appointment, people will be asked to provide the manufacturer and date of their last COVID-19 vaccine.H-E-B: Patients may now schedule a Pfizer COVID-19 booster dose at H-E-B stores online. The grocery chain recommends making an appointment to minimize wait times. People should bring their COVID-19 vaccine record to their booster appointment.Metro Health pop-up clinics: Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine booster doses will be given at all Metro Health vaccine pop-up clinics. No registration is needed, according to the city’s website. For any questions, call 311 or 210-207-6000 (select option 8), or email COVID-19@sanantonio.gov. For a list of pop-up clinics, click here.Sam’s Club: Patients can schedule their appointment for the Pfizer COVID-19 booster shot online.Walgreens: Eligible individuals can make an appointment at Walgreens to get the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine booster shot. Immunizations can be scheduled by visiting Walgreens.com/ScheduleVaccine, by calling 1-800-Walgreens or by contacting a local Walgreens store. For more information on requirements, click here.Walmart: The chain is offering the Pfizer COVID-19 booster shot both in-store and at off-site events at skilled nursing facilities. To schedule an appointment at a store, you can scan a QR code that’s directly in Walmart stores or visit Walmart’s website. Stores also have walk-in availability.

Read also:

COVID-19 positivity rate down to 3.9% in Bexar County, officials sayPfizer asks US to allow COVID shots for kids ages 5 to 11

In June of 2000, the state’s top-ranking Roman Catholic clergyman, along with his secretary were held hostage for several hours in San Antonio.

According to the Associated Press, 40-year old Nelson Antonio Escolero, an unemployed man from El Salvador, went to visit Bishop Patrick Flores.

San Antonio police say Escolero was upset with the government over his possible deportation for driving with a suspended license and he believed Flores could help him.

That’s when police say Escolero held Bishop Flores hostage in his office, threatening to kill him if he didn’t help, because “he had a lot of power.”

That standoff with police lasted for a total of nine hours.

His secretary, Myrtle Sanchez, was set free, unharmed, after about three hours.

Sanchez told police that at one point, a grenade-like device was used to threaten Flores, but it turned out to be fake.

Police say its “pin” was actually just a paper clip.

Bishop Flores was eventually released unharmed as well.

As for Escolero, he was ultimately convicted of two counts of aggravated kidnapping and sentenced to 65 years in prison.

Flores passed away at 87 years old in 2017.

He was the first Mexican-American Catholic Bishop in the country.

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It was broad daylight on May 6 of last year when San Antonio police say a 20-year old transgender woman was killed at a Northwest Side barbershop.

At the height of the coronavirus pandemic, officers say 42-year old Damion Campbell walked inside a Diesel barbershop on Bandera Road near Loop 1604.

According to an arrest affidavit, three staff members were inside the shop, preparing to reopen after being shut down due to the pandemic.

Details from the affidavit reveal that Campbell walked in to ask about making an appointment. He told staff he had to go outside to get a credit card, but came back with a backpack, gun and knife.

That’s when witnesses told police Campbell ordered the workers to the back of the shop, choked Helle Jae O’Regan until she was unconscious, then stabbed her to death.

Investigators say a second employee was also stabbed, but she was able to escape and call for help while a third worker escaped through a back door uninjured.

The affidavit said police were able to identify Campbell using computer records and surveillance video.

He was taken into custody just a few days later on a murder charge.

Investigators say they have yet to figure out why the attack happened. San Antonio Police Chief William McManus said the brutal attack appeared to be random.

Campbell’s next court hearing is scheduled for September 10.

UPDATE: Tidal Surge is now open. For tickets and more information about the park click here.

SeaWorld San Antonio is adding the “largest attraction of its kind in the world” to its thrills in the spring of 2022.

Tidal Surge, which is said to be the “world’s tallest and fastest screaming swing,” will open next year, SeaWorld officials announced on Monday.

Two pendulum-like swings will take riders up to 135 feet high at the speed of 68 miles per hour.

“Riders’ legs will dangle and hang as they soar over the waterski lake and take in the beautiful views of the park while reaching multiple negative G moments before plunging back towards the earth,” according to a news release.

Season passes for 2022 are on sale now.

Read also:

‘World’s Steepest Dive Coaster’ opening at Fiesta Texas in 2022Penguin Cam: Chill with the penguins at SeaWorld San Antonio with 24/7 livestream

It’s been nine years since 68-year-old businessman Jerry Collins was murdered on the Northeast Side.

Police say on January 28, 2012, Collins was found dead inside of his trailer home behind his business, Rittiman Hardware.

Investigators said his throat had been slashed and the knife was left right next to his body.

That gruesome scene was eventually discovered by his girlfriend at the time, Ruth Ann Comer.

According to police records, she was suspected of hiring someone to kill Collins, but she was never charged.

However, one year later in August of 2013, Comer was arrested for a different murder-for-hire plot.

This time, police say she tried paying a carnival worker to kill her son, Jacob Thomas, and his wife, Kristina Moore.

They believe it was an attempt to cover up her tracks from Jerry’s murder.

The indictment states that Comer allegedly paid her daughter-in-law $10,000 to find someone to kill Collins.

Court records show the charges were dropped in 2014 but the cases reopened in 2017, securing a new indictment in 2018.

Comer now faces two counts of solicitation of capital murder.

During a competency hearing, she was found fit to stand trial. However, her defense attorney contested that finding.

Meanwhile, Comer remains out on bond and if courts reopen, her trial could start next month.

More on KSAT:

Family, friends remember man brutally murdered with hammerFamily seeks justice, 4 years after fathers murder

Editor’s note: Get updates delivered to your inbox by signing up for KSAT’s free Coronavirus Newsletter.

As infection levels have worsened since the surge of the omicron variant, it is important to stay updated on the latest COVID-19 numbers in the San Antonio area.

Health experts say the best way to guard against serious illness from COVID-19 is to get fully vaccinated and wear a mask when indoors around people, regardless of vaccination status.

Here’s what you need to know about the latest surge of COVID-19 cases in San Antonio, Bexar County and surrounding areas.

The interactive graphic above tracks COVID-19 cases daily, as reported by John Hopkins University. Due to lags in reporting, the numbers may vary slightly from what is being reported in Bexar County.

Surrounding areas

Comal County

Guadalupe County

Read more:

Where to get a COVID-19 vaccine in San Antonio

A series of clinics are popping up to help ramp up the COVID-19 vaccination effort around San Antonio.

All clinics listed now offer the Pfizer vaccine for children ages 5 and older as well as booster shots for all eligible adults 18 years and older.

Metro Health $100 gift cards are available only at Metro Health-sponsored pop-up clinics and at the Alamodome while supplies last. Only those participants who complete their initial vaccination series of the Pfizer, Moderna or the one dose J&J at a Metro Health pop-up clinic are eligible.

There will be no pop-clinics open between Dec. 25 and Jan. 1. However, the Alamodome drive-thru clinic will be open Thursday, Jan. 30, from noon to 8 p.m.

Here is a list of the Metro Health pop-up clinics:

Sunday, Jan. 2

NISD Northside Activity Center, 7001 Culebra Rd, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m., Pfizer, Moderna, J&J and Flu, gift cards available

Wednesday, Jan. 5

McNay Art Museum, 6000 N New Braunfels Ave, 10 a.m.- 4 p.m., Pfizer, Moderna, J&J and Flu, gift cards available while supplies last.

Other Area Pop-Up Clinics that do not offer gift cards:

Tuesday, Jan. 4

Bexar County Adult Detention Center, 200 N. Comal, 6:30 a.m.- 5:30 p.m. Clinic hosted by the Bexar County Sheriff’s Office, along with the Texas Department of Emergency Management, the Texas Military Department, and city officials. (No gift cards available.)

Thursday, Jan. 6

Coker United Methodist, 231 East North Loop Rd,10 a.m. – 1 p.m., Pfizer, Moderna and J&J, Provider: Lela Pharmacy (No gift cards available.)

Friday, Jan. 7

Apartments Northwest, 2909 Fredericksburg Rd #20, 3 p.m.- 6 p.m., Pfizer, Moderna and J&J, Provider: Lela Pharmacy, (No gift cards available.)

Saturday, Jan. 8

The Ivy Apartments, 4550 Lavender Ln, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. Pfizer, Moderna and J&J, Provider: Lela Pharmacy, (No gift cards available.)Our Lady of the Lake University, 411 SW 24th, 11 a.m. – 1 p.m., Pfizer, Provider: UTHSCSA, (No gift cards available.)Ephesus 7th Day Adventist Church, 4123 E Houston St, 2 p.m. – 5 p.m., Pfizer, Moderna and J&J, Provider: UIW, (No gift cards available.)Realty One Group Emerald, 11535 Galm Road Suite #101, 3 p.m. – 6 p.m., Pfizer, Moderna and J&J, Provider: Lela Pharmacy, (No gift cards available.)

Ongoing Mass Vaccination Site:

Alamodome, 100 Montana St, Parking Lot B

Friday, Dec. 24 and Wednesday, Dec. 29, CLOSED

Thursday, Dec. 30, noon to 8 p.m.

Closed Dec. 31

Regular hours resume Jan. 5, Wednesday – Friday, noon to 8 p.m. Pfizer vaccine only, and gift cards available while supplies last

For an interactive map of upcoming COVID-19 pop-up clinics, click here.

Read also:

Track the latest COVID-19 numbers in San Antonio and surrounding areas