Unfortunately, domestic violence is still too often considered by many to be a private issue, though it is one that affects the entire community, not just those behind closed doors. It has become one of the most underreported crimes, leaving many victims silent and without help.
The avoidance of this issue leaves many unaware that they may be in an abusive relationship. Often times, domestic violence is only thought about as being physical abuse, though that is certainly not the case. Domestic violence includes physical, emotional, economic and sexual abuse. It does not discriminate either – it can happen to anyone regardless of age, gender, race, sexual orientation or educational level.
Additionally, it is a social issue that requires the effort of everyone in the community to stop. If we are going to have future generations believing in Every Relationship Violence-Free we need to work together to create a lasting change. Everyone deserves to live a violence-free life.
Knowing the warning signs of abuse is the first step to ending it.
PHYSICAL ABUSE
- Slapping, hitting, or punching
- Choking
- Kicking
- Shoving or shaking
- Spitting
- Having objects thrown at you
- Restraining you physically
EMOTIONAL ABUSE
- Name calling and insults
- Verbal attacks
- Humiliating you
- Destroying your possessions
- Harming or threatening to harm your family, friends, or pets
- Making you feel guilty-makes you feel like you are responsible for the abuse
- Ruins your self-confidence
- Plays mind games with you
- Is extremely jealous
SEXUAL ABUSE
- Forcing you to engage in sexual acts that make you feel uncomfortable
- Forcing you to engage in sexual acts that are overly aggressive or violent
- Coercing you to have sex through manipulation or threats
- Forcing you to watch pornography or other things that you dislike
- Denying you contraception or protection
ECONOMIC ABUSE
- Not allowing you to work
- Isolating you by limiting your access to money
- Controlling all financial decisions without your input
- Giving you an allowance or making you ask for money
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. Hubbard House provides services free-of-charge to victims of domestic violence and their children living in Duval and Baker counties in Northeast Florida.
Other domestic violence shelters in Northeast Florida include:
Clay County: Quigley House, 904-284-0061 24-hour Hotline
NassauCounty: Micah’s Place, 877-228-7388 or 904-225-9979 24-hour Hotline
St. Johns County: Betty Griffin House, 904-824-1555 24-hour Hotline
If one of these shelters does not serve your county please call the Florida Domestic Violence Hotline at 800-500-1119.
Written by Brittany Mitrick and Dajana Mihaljevic