Domestic Violence in San Antonio: How to File a Protective Order in Bexar County

Domestic violence is a reality many families face, and San Antonio is no exception. According to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, 1 in 3 women and 1 in 4 men in the United States experience physical violence from an intimate partner in their lifetime. Texas sees consistently high rates of family violence, with more than 194,000 family violence incidents reported statewide each year, according to the Texas Department of Public Safety.

For survivors in San Antonio, knowing how to get help — and how to legally protect yourself — can be life-changing. To provide clarity and guidance, this article explains how protective orders work, what the process looks like in Bexar County, and what resources are available, with expert insights from Samantha Serna Uribe, Managing Attorney at Modern Family Law in San Antonio.

What Is A Protective Order In San Antonio?

A protective order is a court order designed to keep an abusive partner or family member away from you. Once issued, it can prevent the abuser from:

• Contacting you

• Coming near your home, workplace, or school

• Possessing firearms

• Threatening, harassing, or harming you

Protective orders are enforceable by law. Violating one can lead to immediate arrest and criminal charges.

Is My Situation Considered Domestic Violence?

If no arrest has occurred, or if you need long-term protection, you can file for a protective order yourself. In Texas, survivors do not have to pay to file.

Here is how the process works in Bexar County:

Step 1: File an Application

You can file for a protective order:

• Through the Bexar County District Attorney’s Office

• At the Bexar County Family Justice Center

• Online through the DA’s application portal

• With the help of a private attorney

This application asks you to describe the violence or threats.

Step 2: Request an Ex Parte (Immediate) Order

An ex parte protective order is a temporary order that the court can issue quickly if there is an immediate danger.

Sam explains, “This can be done on an emergency basis through what is called an ex parte temporary protective order… followed by a court hearing to determine whether it should become a final protective order.”

These temporary orders usually last up to 20 days and can be extended.

Step 3: Attend the Court Hearing

This is when a judge decides whether to issue a final protective order, which can last up to two years or longer in severe cases.

Step 4: Service of the Order

Law enforcement must serve the abuser with the order before it becomes active.

Step 5: Enforcement

If they violate the order, you should call 911 immediately. Violations can result in arrest, jail time, and new charges.

How Domestic Violence Affects Child Custody In Bexar County

Domestic violence plays a major role in custody decisions in Texas. Research shows that 30–60% of children living in a home with domestic violence also experience abuse, and the courts take this risk seriously.

According to Sam, “Under the Texas Family Code, if there has been a history of family violence, the court must consider that when determining whether the offending parent is suitable to be around the child.”

This can lead to:

• Supervised visitation

• Exchanges are happening at secure locations

• Limitations on parental rights

• Courts prohibiting joint custody

Texas law explicitly states that parents with a history of violence should not share joint custody, because the child’s safety always comes first.

Sam emphasizes, “The court’s ultimate focus is always on the best interest of the child, and when violence has occurred between parents, it has a direct effect on that determination.”

San Antonio Resources For Domestic Violence Survivors

San Antonio has a strong network of support programs for survivors of domestic violence.

Bexar County District Attorney’s Office

Survivors can apply for protective orders at no cost, in person or online.

Bexar County Family Justice Center

A one-stop center offering:

• Safety planning

• Protective order assistance

• Counseling

• Advocacy

• Legal guidance

Family Violence Prevention Program

Located inside the courthouse, provides lethality assessments to evaluate risk.

Sam explains, “The court can also order lethality assessments through the Family Violence Prevention Program.”

Local Nonprofits

Several organizations provide:

• Lawyers

• Social workers

• Shelter

• Support groups

• Counseling

These services are at low or no cost.

National Domestic Violence Hotline

1-800-799-SAFE (7233)
Provides private, confidential support 24/7.

Safety Planning Resources

Bexar County offers a Safety Planning Toolkit, which helps survivors prepare before leaving a dangerous situation.

Sam notes, “Even if someone is not yet ready to file for a protective order, developing a safety plan is an essential step.”

Online & Technology Safety Tips

Many abusers track devices, emails, and browsing history. Sam recommends being cautious, “Creating a separate email address if there is a risk the abuser has access, or being mindful about how and where they are searching for resources online.”

Other safety precautions include:

• Using private browsing or incognito mode

• Deleting search history

• Changing shared passwords

• Turning off location sharing

• Using a trusted device outside the home, if possible

These steps can help prevent the abuser from learning about attempts to seek help.

Taking The First Step

Domestic violence can make you feel isolated, scared, or unsure of where to turn, but you are not alone. San Antonio offers many resources designed to protect survivors, provide emotional support, and help families move toward safety.

If you’re unsure where to start, Modern Family Law can guide you through every step of the protective order and custody process, always with your safety at the center.

How Modern Family Law Helps

Modern Family Law has years of experience representing survivors of family violence in Bexar County. Our attorneys assist with:

• Filing for emergency and long-term protective orders

• Navigating custody cases involving abuse

• Handling divorces where safety is a major concern

• Creating safety-focused parenting plans

• Standing beside survivors throughout the process

Sam shares, “At Modern Family Law, we have extensive experience helping survivors of family violence navigate this process. Our priority is ensuring that both their safety and their children’s safety are protected at every step.”