# Domestic Violence Affects Millions As October Awareness Month Approaches > Texas reports 161 deaths by intimate partners in 2024 amid rising domestic violence concerns - Title: Domestic Violence Affects Millions As October Awareness Month… - Summary: Texas reports 161 deaths by intimate partners in 2024 amid rising domestic violence concerns 71% of Texas victims killed by partners in 2024 used firearms - Keywords: texas, domestic violence, intimate partner violence, council on family violence, national domestic violence hotline, firearms, safety planning, youth risk behavior survey, adverse childhood experiences, seattle, seahawks, nfl - Source: Dallas Express — https://dallasexpress.com/national/domestic-violence-affects-millions-as-october-awareness-month-approaches - Author: Dallas Express - Published: 2026-09-26T13:00:11+00:00 - Read time: 1 min - Topics: texas, domestic violence, intimate partner violence, council on family violence, national domestic violence hotline, firearms, safety planning, youth risk behavior survey, adverse childhood experiences, seattle, seahawks, nfl ## U.S. Domestic Violence Data CDC reports 34% of U.S. women and 17% of men have experienced intimate partner violence in their lifetime. > The CDC defines intimate partner violence as physical violence, sexual violence, stalking, or psychological aggression committed by a current or former romantic partner. ## Texas Family Violence Offenses Texas recorded 240,925 family violence offenses involving 241,015 victims in 2025. ## 2024 Texas Fatalities 161 Texans were killed by intimate partners in 2024, with 71% using firearms. > The Texas Council on Family Violence found that 71 percent of Texans killed by intimate partners in 2024 were killed with a firearm. ## Victim Age Patterns Victims range from 17 to 70 years old, with women aged 30-39 and men aged 30-49 most affected. ## Teen Dating Violence 1 in 12 high school students experience physical dating violence and 1 in 10 experience sexual dating violence. > The CDC's 2021 Youth Risk Behavior Survey shows 1 in 12 U.S. high school students experience physical dating violence. ## Warning Signs of Abuse Extreme jealousy, isolation, controlling finances, and threats to children or pets are key indicators of abuse. > The National Domestic Violence Hotline identifies extreme jealousy, isolation, controlling finances, and threats to children or pets as warning signs. ## Digital Control Risks Abusers monitor victims through phones, GPS, and online accounts without their knowledge. > The National Domestic Violence Hotline warns that computer and cellphone activity can be monitored without the user knowing. ## Why Victims Stay Financial dependence, shared children, and fear of losing custody often prevent leaving abusive partners. > Victims may depend financially on an abusive partner, share children, or fear losing custody if they leave. ## Safety Planning Personalized safety plans include identifying safe areas, exits, and trusted contacts for victims. > A safety plan is a personalized strategy for increasing safety while experiencing abuse, preparing to leave, or after leaving. ## Helping a Victim Friends should focus on safety, listen without judgment, and help develop a safety plan rather than confronting the abuser. > The National Domestic Violence Hotline encourages friends to focus first on safety, listen without judgment, and help the survivor think through options. ## Children as Victims Children witness violence and experience trauma without physical assault, increasing health risks later in life. > The CDC classifies witnessing intimate partner violence as an adverse childhood experience that can affect health later in life. ## Immediate Help Resources Call 9-1-1 for immediate danger or text START to 88788 for 24/7 National Domestic Violence Hotline support. > The National Domestic Violence Hotline operates 24 hours a day at 800-799-SAFE (7233). ## Key takeaway 71% of Texas victims killed by partners in 2024 used firearms