Domestic violence is not an individual, family or law enforcement issue; it affects all ages, genders, ethnicities and economic levels – it is a community issue. In 2009, there were 7,800 domestic violence offenses reported in Duval County. Within the last year, Hubbard House provided services to more than 6,200 victims of domestic violence. It will take the entire community working together to end this devastating problem. Listed below are just a few ways we each can help end domestic violence:
- Wear a purple ribbon to raise awareness about domestic violence
- Connect with Hubbard House online at www.facebook.com/hubbardhouseinc or at www.twitter.com/hubbardhouse to receive posts about domestic violence statistics, news, and events happening in our community
- Hold a candlelight vigil or ceremony to remember the victims of domestic abuse, to honor the survivors, and to celebrate those working to end violence against women and children
- Plan a community benefit/fundraiser for Hubbard House or your local domestic violence center to raise much-needed funds and to educate the community about available services
- Keep issues before the public: write letters to newspapers; perhaps editorials or comments to print media as well as TV and radio
- Organize inter-agency activities with police departments, PTA’s, community colleges and universities, women’s clubs, girl and boy scouts, other social and civic groups or human service agencies
- Advocate for continued training for law enforcement, medical professionals, educators, etc. on domestic violence
- Refrain from sayings, jokes, or materials that minimize abuse
- Avoid speech that contains violent images (“What a slap in the face”)
- Know what help is available in your community: visit www.hubbardhouse.org to learn more
- Know what the warning signs of abuse are
- Attend an extended training on domestic violence; continue to educate yourself on the dynamics of domestic violence and its effects
- Invite a representative from Hubbard House to speak to your class, civic group, workplace or faith community
If you or someone you know is in an abusive relationship please call the Hubbard House hotline at (904) 354-3114 or (800) 500-1119.
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 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 childcare, batterers’ intervention programs, court advocacy and volunteer and community education opportunities. Visit www.hubbardhouse.org to learn more.