New data show 14 people died from domestic violence last year in Duval County, amidst the COVID pandemic, widespread shut downs and increased reports of domestic violence nationwide. In Duval County, that number is down slightly from 16 deaths in 2019, but remains part of an upward trend in the number of annual deaths over the last decade.
A report compiled by the state attorney’s office shows that eight people died from intimate partner violence, and six were killed by a family member or other person they lived with in 2020. The data show drug or alcohol use factored into almost two thirds of cases last year.
Local nonprofit Hubbard House, which works with survivors of domestic violence, said the data highlight the importance of intervening when we know about abuse.
“If you see or hear domestic violence, you could save a life by reaching out,” Gail Patin, CEO of Hubbard House, said. “Most of these intimate partner homicides, family and friends knew about previous incidents of domestic violence.”
The data show 25% of the people suspected of killing an intimate partner last year had been ordered by a court to attend a state-mandated Batterers Intervention Program, but none had completed the program, according to the report.
Domestic violence survivor Kimberly, who asked to only use her first name for security, said she wasn’t aware of resources available when she experienced abuse.
“The abuse could have ended my life, and I wouldn’t be here to share my message of seeking help,” Kimberly said. “Help is available.”
The city of Jacksonville, in partnership with Hubbard House, operates a 24-hour domestic violence hotline at (904) 354-3114, as well as a textline at (904) 210-3698.
Contact Claire Heddles at cheddles@wjct.org, (904) 250 - 0926, or on Twitter at @claireheddles.
