During the Month of the Heart and Love, a time associated with celebrations and positive moments, difficult realities that often go unseen also emerge. In Philadelphia, community organizations warn that February can be a period of increased tension in relationships, especially among young couples.
Joanna Otero Cruz, executive director and president of Women Against Abuse, one of the city’s longest-standing organizations in the fight against domestic violence, confirmed that cases increased in 2025. “Unfortunately, they did increase,” she said. Although overall homicide statistics in Philadelphia declined, between 18% and 20% were related to domestic violence. “We saw intense and severe cases, even during the Christmas holidays,” she added.
Domestic violence does not discriminate
Otero Cruz emphasized that domestic violence could affect anyone, regardless of income, age, or marital status. “Domestic violence does not discriminate. It is about power and control over a partner,” she explained.
She expressed particular concern for immigrant communities, where abusers may use immigration status as a tool of control. Many victims, she noted, are afraid to seek help due to fears of immigration-related consequences. She also highlighted the impact on the LGBTQ+ community. “Fifty percent of people in the LGBT community are victims of domestic violence. Many are isolated, and violence intensifies when a person is isolated,” she stressed.
Regarding adolescents, she underscored the importance of early education and reminded the community that one in three women will experience domestic violence at some point in her life.
Violence beyond the physical
The director emphasized that violence is not limited to physical abuse; it can also be emotional, psychological, financial, or digital. Speaking about the use of technology as a form of control, she explained that some individuals are unaware that tracking applications have been installed on their phones. “That is not healthy,” she said.
Among teenagers, controlling behaviors are often mistaken for signs of love. Phrases such as “he wants to protect me” or “he follows me everywhere because he loves me” may hide harmful dynamics.
Concerns about the system
So far in 2026, several domestic violence-related homicides have already been reported in the city. Otero Cruz expressed concern about failures within the judicial system, particularly regarding the enforcement of protection orders. Although a 2019 law requires the surrender of firearms when a restraining order is issued, compliance remains low.
“It should not take three or four months to collect weapons. And if the abuser says he does not have any, the process cannot simply end there,” she stated. After testifying before City Council in December, she indicated that meetings have been held with authorities and that there is acknowledgment that the system must improve. “What matters now is action,” she said.
Education and prevention
Women Against Abuse is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year. “We are dedicated to this work to save lives. That is our mission,” Otero Cruz said. The organization will mark five decades of service with a special event on June 11.
During February, in connection with Valentine’s Day, the organization intensifies its educational programs in middle and high schools, promoting conversations about healthy and safe relationships.
“No one has to go through this alone,” Otero Cruz affirmed. As a final message, she urged the community to call the 24/7 hotline at 1-866-723-3014, which is bilingual and offers translation services, to receive confidential guidance. The organization also operates two emergency shelters and provides legal support in Family Court.