24-Hour Navigation Line Case Managers to Be Funded by Bexar County
Published on October 11, 2023
Twenty-four Hour Navigation Line Case Managers to Be Funded by Bexar County Through Collaborative Efforts
SAN ANTONIO (October 11, 2023) - On Tuesday, October 10th, Bexar County Commissioners Court approved a proposal to extend the continuation of the Bexar County Domestic Violence Navigation Line’s (DV Nav Line) on-call high-risk case managers that was submitted to the county by the Bexar County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO), in partnership with the South Texas Regional Advisory Council (STRAC), University Health (UH), Family Violence Prevention Services (FVPS), the City of San Antonio (COSA) and the Collaborative Commission on Domestic Violence (CCDV).
The proposal includes funding for the continuation of case managers on call 24/7 to help connect victims, residing in the unincorporated areas of Bexar County, to services. Though these case managers have been grant-funded by the City of San Antonio since inception, Bexar County and Commissioners Court took the first steps yesterday to begin funding to ensure this navigation line’s longevity for the safety and well-being of Bexar County residents.
From the time it went live in August 2021 through July 2022, the 24-hour Navigation Line utilized by BCSO conducted 2,736 lethality assessments for residents experiencing family violence. Of these victims, 656 (24%) were determined to be at high risk of lethal harm from their intimate partner. Out of those who were screened as high risk, 175 sought refuge at a friend or family member’s residence, 16 were taken to area hospitals to treat their injuries, 49 opted for hotel accommodations provided by the City of San Antonio, and 31 found sanctuary at the Battered Women and Children’s Shelter.
“This has been an invaluable tool for our deputies thus far. I applaud Commissioners Court for helping us to continue this life-saving service to the citizens of Bexar County,” said Javier Salazar, Bexar County Sheriff.
“STRAC supports the Bexar County Commissioners’ decision to fund domestic violence advocacy services. This is an important piece of the partnership among STRAC, University Health, Bexar County Sheriff’s Office, Family Violence Prevention Services, and San Antonio Metropolitan Health District to provide crucial and timely support services to people who experience domestic violence,” said Eric Epley, Executive Director at the Southwest Texas Regional Advisory Council.
“University Health is committed to continuing to fund the Domestic Violence Navigation Line and deeply grateful to Bexar County Commissioners Court for this approval to support the high-risk team, ensuring victims screened to be in immediate danger can get immediate help,” explained Sally Taylor, MD, Chief of Behavioral Medicine at University Health. “With this combined funding, we have a two-step process: the Bexar County Sheriff’s officer calling the 24/7 Navigation Line is an important first step, but that second step, to connect those at risk of being killed to immediate and potentially life-saving assistance, is absolutely essential.”
“The continuation of the DV navigation line over the next three months to provide critical services to county residents is another example of the collaboration between the City and the County for victims and survivors of family violence,” said Deputy City Manager Maria Villagomez, CCDV Co-Chair.
“This navigation line provides a cutting-edge service that undoubtedly saves lives and wouldn’t be made possible if not for collaboration and communication between all domestic violence stakeholders,” said Judge Monique Diaz, CCDV Co-Chair.
The CCDV was created in 2019 by special order signed by Judge Peter Sakai with the mission 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 commission convenes domestic violence stakeholders across all sectors, including healthcare, prosecution, judiciary, law enforcement, education, and non-profits.