This week in Jacksonville, Florida, the community was rocked by two separate and alarming incidents of domestic violence, highlighting a disturbing trend of aggression within households.
On Wednesday morning, a woman in her mid-30s found herself in a terrifying situation at an apartment complex in the Argyle Forest neighborhood. According to the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office, an argument with her boyfriend escalated, resulting in her being shot in the face. Despite the severity of the situation, the victim managed to flee the apartment and seek help, successfully flagging down a passerby to call 911. Remarkably, she sustained injuries that were deemed non-life-threatening, a small solace in a harrowing ordeal.
Just a day prior, on Tuesday night, the city witnessed another unsettling domestic dispute. This time, a son was involved in a confrontation that led to him shooting his mother’s boyfriend. Details surrounding this incident remain under investigation, as authorities endeavor to piece together the events that led to such violence.
These incidents underscore the ongoing issue of domestic violence and the critical need for resources and interventions to prevent such tragedies. The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office continues to address these challenges, urging the community to remain vigilant and supportive of those in potentially volatile situations.
Police said the couple was arguing when a shot was fired. The woman has was left with non-life-threatening injuries.
Then on Tuesday night, another domestic dispute turned violent.
The sheriff’s office said a man and his girlfriend were arguing, the girlfriend’s son confronted him, then fired multiple shots at him, striking him twice in the chest.
The Hubbard House helps victims of domestic violence and their families by providing emergency shelter, outreach and a 24/7 hotline.
For nearly 50 years, they have answered 143,000 hotline calls and helped more than 165,000 survivors.
Stephanie Brown, director of community education with Hubbard House, recognizes how added financial and emotional stress during the holidays can lead tensions to escalate into violence.
“This time of yea, there’s a lot of stress that’s present on so many families, you know, maybe you wanna buy gifts for the kids and you don’t have enough money, maybe you lost a job,” said Brown. “We know that stress is real. The unfortunate thing is, is that an abuser blames that stress to justify the violence.”
Brown encourages friends, family and neighbors to speak up and offer support if they can.
“Maybe the abuser has been controlling all of that survivor’s money,” she said. “So, if she leaves, how is she going to put a roof over her kids’ heads? You know, where is their next meal going to come from? Anyone in our community who wants to support a survivor, what we want them to say is, ‘I care about you. You deserve to be safe.’”
To survivors, Brown acknowledges leaving is not easy, but said help is available when they’re ready.
“Whether it’s that call to our hotline, coming to our outreach center, going to our website to investigate and learn more, we are here when you’re ready and you deserve to be safe,” said Brown.
If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, you can contact Hubbard House’s 24/7 hotline at 904-354-3114.
You can also call the Florida Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-500-1119.
