SAN ANTONIO – It’s something reported every year: domestic violence deaths in our state and county are extremely high.

However, that’s why we need to talk about it.

The Texas Council on Family Violence just released its new report for 2023, showing 205 Texans were killed, 14 of those in Bexar County.

“It’s important to hear not only from experts in the field, but people who have accidentally become experts by just being in it and going through it,” said Mariah Gardner.

Gardner and her 4-year-old daughter, Rosalie, have a relationship more tightly bound than most.

Gardner’s ex-husband Stephen Clare, who is Rosalie’s dad, attacked them two years ago. The youngest daughter, Willow, who was 11 months old, died in the attack.

Through the pain and grief, Gardner has now dedicated much of her time to advocacy.

She was even invited to speak Tuesday as the Texas Council for Family Violence (TCFV) released its annual report on domestic violence deaths.

here.