For the 26th consecutive year, Hubbard House and partner organizations have released a Domestic Violence Fatality Review Report in an effort to detect trends in local fatalities and promote systemic change. The release coincides with October’s recognition as Domestic Violence Awareness Month.
“Often, society thinks of law enforcement in relation to offenders,” said Jacksonville Sheriff T.K. Waters. “We envision handcuffs, interview rooms and jail cells. But a law enforcement officer plays a vital role in advocating for crime survivors and preventing future victimization. Perhaps in no field of law enforcement is that truer than in the enforcement and prevention of domestic violence. For so long, domestic abuse was considered a familial issue. Today, we recognize it for what it is: inexcusable violence for which there must be accountability.”
In Duval County in 2022, there were 14 domestic violence homicide cases, which resulted in 17 homicide victims. Of the 14 domestic violence fatality cases, 11 specifically involved intimate partner relationships, which accounts for 14 of the homicide victims.
The trends found and analyzed in the report include the use of firearms by abusers, co-habitation by the suspect and victim, and a history of domestic violence both within the relationship and by the suspect against prior partners.
“Domestic violence, and the too often tragic consequences, continues to affect households and families in every corner of our city,” said 4th Circuit State Attorney’s Office Special Victims Unit Deputy Director ASA Khary O. Gaynor. “This office, along with our greater community, must remain committed to seeking justice for victims and do our part to help families and loved ones heal in the aftermath of these crimes.”
The purpose of the report is not only to analyze trends, but to recommend how to reduce lethal domestic violence in the future.
“A common thread throughout the recommendations is that accessing help from organizations like Hubbard House can truly be lifesaving,” said Hubbard House CEO Dr. Gail A. Patin. “Survivors do not have to navigate abuse alone.”
Hubbard House is joined by the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office, 4th Circuit State Attorney’s Office, City of Jacksonville and other key partners in releasing this report and marking Domestic Violence Awareness Month.
View the full the Domestic Violence Fatality Review Report at hubbardhouse.org/press.
Hubbard House is the certified domestic violence center serving Duval and Baker counties in Northeast Florida. Hubbard House offers free, confidential shelter and services, including counseling, employment support, housing help and related areas for survivors of domestic violence and their children.
Survivors of domestic violence can access help through the 24/7 Hubbard House Hotline at 904-354-3114 or Textline at 904-210-3698. Survivors can also make an appointment or walk into the Hubbard House Outreach Center at 6629 Beach Blvd., 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday-Friday. All Hubbard House services are free and confidential.
