On a sweltering July night, Jesse Falcon, under the influence of cocaine, marijuana, and alcohol, attacked a man he believed was pursuing his girlfriend. During the altercation, he shoved his girlfriend, causing her to sustain a gash on her arm. Mr. Falcon later described his emotional state as one filled with rage.
Cases like Mr. Falcon's are common in San Antonio, a city grappling with high rates of domestic violence. Family violence judge Rosie Speedlin Gonzalez noted that offenders often leave jail angrier and more resentful, perpetuating a cycle of trauma.
In response, Judge Gonzalez's court has implemented a family violence diversion program called Reflejo, aimed at first-time offenders. This program offers a chance for abusers to avoid jail time by completing a series of requirements, including counseling and random drug testing.
The issue of domestic violence is not confined to San Antonio. The COVID-19 pandemic saw a nationwide spike in domestic violence cases, prompting many cities to enhance their response strategies. San Antonio has increased the number of detectives assigned to domestic violence cases and conducts lethality assessments to gauge the risk of serious harm to victims.
Despite these efforts, San Antonio consistently ranks among the top 20 large cities for aggravated domestic violence, with a significant number of incidents going unreported. The new court aims to provide both accountability and support for perpetrators, with the goal of preventing future violence.
Offenders in the Reflejo program must meet strict conditions to have their charges expunged, including frequent court appearances and counseling. During a recent session, Mr. Falcon faced scrutiny after a monitor detected alcohol in his system, a violation of the program's rules.
In Bexar County, the number of family violence homicides has risen this year, surpassing the totals from the previous three years. Community efforts to address domestic violence have included town hall meetings where victims shared their experiences, leading to the formation of a domestic violence commission.
John Vacca, who leads a class required for participants in the Reflejo program, emphasizes the importance of recognizing emotional triggers that lead to violent behavior. Judge Gonzalez, frustrated with the high rates of reoffending, advocated for a program focused on abusers rather than victims, overcoming initial resistance to her proposal.
Since its inception, the Reflejo court has graduated 35 offenders, with only one reported rearrest. However, the effectiveness of the program in fostering real change within families remains difficult to assess, as many participants' partners have declined to comment on their experiences.
Critics, such as Marta Pelaez from Family Violence Prevention Services, express skepticism about the program's ability to facilitate lasting change in a short timeframe. Despite this, participants like Mr. Falcon report positive transformations in their lives, attributing their progress to the support received through the program.
Many participants share backgrounds marked by trauma, with experiences of violence and instability in their childhoods. Mr. Falcon, for instance, reflects on his upbringing and the stigma surrounding emotional expression in his community.
While some participants struggle to meet program requirements, others, like Deonte Hawkins, face setbacks that prompt interventions from Judge Gonzalez, who seeks to provide support and guidance to help them stay on track.
Mr. Falcon, now employed and focused on personal growth, expresses a newfound understanding of how to manage his emotions and respond to challenging situations. He acknowledges the changes in his attitude toward life and the importance of continuing his journey of self-improvement.