October is National Domestic Violence Awareness Month.
Domestic Violence Awareness Month evolved from the “Day of Unity” in October 1981, developed by the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence to connect people across the nation working to end violence against women and their children. The first official Domestic Violence Awareness Month was observed in October 1987. Since then, events have been held nationally to demonstrate a powerful statement by celebrating the strength of victims and their children.
Hubbard House, in partnership with the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office and other local law enforcement agencies and domestic violence centers, held a press conference today announcing October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM).
The DVAM Press Conference also addressed the need to raise public awareness about violence in the home and encouraged citizens to unite to help end this devastating, but preventable, social problem. Sheriff Rutherford announced that the city of Jacksonville is experiencing record lows in crime with the lone exception of domestic violence. According to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement’s 2009 Uniform Crime Report domestic violence has increased 3 percent in the state of Florida, and almost 10 percent in Duval County. “Although overall crime in Jacksonville is declining in historic numbers, domestic violence continues to be a genuine issue in our community, in our neighborhoods, and sadly among the families that we all know,” said Sheriff Rutherford.
The press conference also marked the launch of the 2010 Purple Ribbon Campaign, in which members of Northeast Florida law enforcement agencies receive purple ribbon pins to wear during the month of October, in support of efforts to end domestic violence in our communities. County Court Administrative Judge Brent Shore also announced that a new domestic violence court was being established to provide additional attention to domestic violence cases and the victims affected by domestic violence. The City of Jacksonville received a grant to fund the court. County judges will preside over the court and will work in conjunction with the City of Jacksonville, State Attorney’s Office, Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office and Hubbard House.
In 2009, Hubbard House provided services to 6,231 women, children, and men affected by domestic violence.
If you or someone you know is in an abusive relationship please call the Hubbard House domestic violence hotline at (904) 354-3114 or (800) 500-1119.
ABOUT HUBBARD HOUSE
Hubbard House is a nationally recognized leader in domestic violence intervention. Founded in 1976, Hubbard House is a certified, comprehensive domestic violence center providing programs and services to more than 5,000 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 child care, batterers’ intervention programs, court advocacy and volunteer and community education opportunities. Visit www.hubbardhouse.org to learn more.