Advocates say that pattern is especially troubling because children who witness violence often carry that trauma with them for years.
HOUSTON — In the last four days, three deadly domestic violence cases in the Houston area have left families shattered. In each case, children were present or directly involved.
Tina J. Lewis said she grew up watching her father abuse her mother and promised herself she would never end up in a similar relationship.
Instead, she said she found herself in not one, but two abusive relationships.
“I kept attracting my dad, over and over again,” Lewis said.
Lewis said it was only seven years ago that she decided to leave for good.
“My why was my children,” she said. “I could not bear the idea that my children and my grandchildren burying me.”
Now, Lewis shares her story in hopes of helping others recognize the warning signs and leave before violence turns deadly.
Maisha Colter, who leads AVDA, Aid to Victims of Domestic Abuse, said the recent cases reflect a larger and growing problem in the region.
“So last year, we had 62 homicides in Houston, and that’s a number that has escalated year over year for us,” Colter said.
Authorities say the three recent cases unfolded across the Houston area:
- In the Cloverleaf area, investigators accused a 43-year-old man of fatally shooting his wife while their three children were home.
- In River Oaks on Monday, Houston Police Department said a man is believed to have killed his wife and their two children before taking his own life.
- In the Katy area Tuesday morning, investigators said a man died after his teenage son allegedly placed him in a chokehold during a domestic dispute.
Colter said children who witness violence can suffer immediate and lasting effects.
“Immediately after they see that violence, it impacts them,” Colter said. “Their cognitive development can be delayed. It can be interrupted.”
She said Lewis’ story is not unusual. Children who grow up around abuse can later find themselves repeating those patterns — either as victims or as abusers.
That is why, Colter said, access to counseling, legal services and trauma-informed support is critical.
“We will not continue this cycle of abuse,” she said.
Advocates say help is available in the Houston community for survivors and families affected by domestic violence.
If you or someone you know needs help, the Houston Area Women’s Center can be reached at 713-528-2121, and the National Domestic Violence Hotline is available at 1-800-799-7233. Both lines are open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
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