In addition to Domestic Violence Awareness Month, October is also Crime Prevention Month, a time to recommit to ending violence within our homes, our communities and our country.
One of the most important components of crime prevention is you, and your willingness to raise awareness about important issues. One crime that affects millions of Americans annually is domestic violence. Domestic violence is an epidemic affecting individuals in every community, regardless of age, economic status, race, religion, nationality or educational background.
According to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement there were 113,378 domestic violence incidents reported last year; 7,830 were from Duval and Baker counties alone. Unfortunately domestic violence is one of the most chronically unreported crimes.
During October, Crime Prevention Month and Domestic Violence Awareness Month, let’s all commit to helping create safer, more caring communities.
WAYS TO HELP
- Report crime: Call 911 if you see or hear crime happening.
- Educate yourself: Know the warning signs of domestic violence.
- Know what services are available for victims: In Duval and Baker counties, victims of domestic violence can find help at Hubbard House by calling the 24-hour hotline at (904) 354-0076 or (800) 500-1119 or by visiting www.hubbardhouse.org. Click here for more important numbers to help victims of domestic violence.
- Break the Silence: Help raise awareness about domestic violence. Click here for ideas.
- Start or get involved in a Neighborhood Crime Watch Program: This allows citizens in your neighborhood to help in the fight against crime, including home security, child protection, drug abuse, domestic violence, etc.
If you or someone you know is in an abusive relationship please call the Hubbard House 24-hour domestic violence hotline at (904) 354-3114 or (800) 500-1119. Hubbard House can help.
ABOUT HUBBARD HOUSE
Founded as the first domestic violence shelter in Florida in 1976, Hubbard House is a certified, comprehensive domestic violence center providing programs and services to more than 6,000 women, children, and men annually in Duval and Baker counties. While Hubbard House is most known for its emergency shelter, the agency also provides extensive adult and youth outreach services, school-based education, therapeutic childcare, batterers’ intervention programs, court advocacy and volunteer and community education opportunities. Visit www.hubbardhouse.org to learn more.
By Lana Schack and Ashley Johnson Scott