San Antonio Therapist Helps Children of Domestic Violence
A dedicated police therapist supports local children who witness intimate partner violence.
Updated on Oct. 8, 2026 in Sex Crimes
Elvira Castillo provides free therapy to hundreds of children in San Antonio who have witnessed domestic violence. The San Antonio Police Department initiative aims to break cycles of trauma and prevent future abuse.
Why it matters
Children exposed to household violence face significant risks of developing post-traumatic stress disorder and repeating these cycles later in life. Professional intervention is essential to support these youth during their recovery.
Elvira Castillo, a veteran of the Special Victims Unit, treats between 300 and 800 children annually. Bexar County recorded 13 intimate partner homicides in 2025, down from 17 in 2024.
The players
Elvira Castillo
Elvira Castillo is a child and family therapist for the San Antonio Police Department who has 15 years of experience in the Special Victims Unit.
San Antonio Police Department
The San Antonio Police Department is the local law enforcement agency responsible for providing free therapy services to children affected by domestic violence.
The details
Therapists at the San Antonio Police Department use specialized drawing techniques to communicate with children who are unable to speak about their experiences. Referrals for these free services arrive through Child Protective Services and police officers, while the Handle With Care initiative works to notify schools when a child has witnessed violence.
Timeline
2024 saw 17 intimate partner homicides in Bexar County.
Bexar County recorded 13 intimate partner homicides in 2025.
Two children witnessed a domestic violence incident in June 2026.
Legal Context
The use of the Handle With Care initiative marks a shift in how municipalities coordinate between law enforcement and educational systems to support at-risk youth. This collaborative approach mirrors a growing national trend of addressing child trauma through cross-agency data sharing.
The availability of free therapy through the San Antonio Police Department provides a critical safety net for families impacted by household violence. Residents can coordinate with law enforcement or Child Protective Services to ensure affected children receive necessary support.
The takeaway
Early intervention remains the most effective tool for mitigating the lasting psychological impacts of witnessed violence on children. Parents and community members can help by recognizing the importance of professional mental health support for young victims.
Further reading
For more information on similar support systems, visit the Sex Crimes section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by KSAT.
