HARRIS COUNTY, Texas – Prosecutors are saying David Conley, the man accused of killing six children and two adults, has a violent history of abuse.
KPRC 2 has learned that Valerie Jackson had protective orders against Conley and her husband Dwayne Jackson within the last three years.
Domestic violence experts said it seems she was a woman who felt trapped.
In October 2012, Valerie Jackson filed for a protective order against Dwayne Jackson after he allegedly held her hostage in a hotel room for a week.
She also said he hit her in the face, threatened to bomb, set fire or shoot up her house if she left.
Conley was arrested twice for assaulting her, most recently slamming her head into a refrigerator.
Amy Smith with the Harris County Domestic Violence Coordinating council said people asking why Jackson stayed in abusive relationships are asking the wrong question.
"We're looking at it form the outside, saying 'How did this happen? Why did she stay?' But it's why did he abuse. Don't blame the victim. Blame the person that's responsible. The perpetrator."
Smith said there are many reasons women find it hard to break free from a cycle of violence.
"There's intimidation, there's economic abuse, there's fear and threats," Smith said. "We weren't in her shoes. We don't know what she was going through. We don't know the circumstances for her and we probably never will."
Advocates say it is important to let victims know there is help out there.
If you or someone you know is being abused, you can call the National Domestic Abuse Hotline at 800-799-7233.
