JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Editor's Note: Domestic violence resources are included at the bottom of this story.
The number of domestic violence homicides in Duval County dropped in 2023, according to a newly released annual report.
The findings were announced during a press conference hosted by Hubbard House at the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office on Monday, which marked the start of Domestic Violence Awareness Month.
The Domestic Violence Fatality Review Team Report found that the rate of domestic-related homicides in 2023 were the lowest they've been since 2015.
"Fewer people are dying in our community because of domestic violence. That, my friends is hope," said Hubbard House Chief Executive Officer Gail Patin, emphasizing that "even one death because of domestic violence is one too many."
In 2023, Duval County reported 10 domestic violence homicide cases, resulting in 13 deaths.
A majority of the cases were linked to intimate partner relationships. The report found that in 88% of these cases, the victim and the suspect had a documented history of domestic violence within the relationship, or one party did in a prior relationship.
The report found risk factors in a majority of the homicides were the presence of firearms and co-habitation between intimate partners.
"For any survivor who hears the findings of this report and hears echoes of their own relationship, know that the danger is real," said Assistant State Attorney Khary O. Gaynor, who is the chair of the Duval County Fatality Review Team.
Jacksonville ranks fourth in the state in requests for restraining orders in cases of domestic violence, according to the Duval County Clerk of Courts.
"That's a statistic that we don't like to share," said Duval County Clerk of Courts Jody Phillips. "In the last year alone, our office had over 6,500 domestic violence cases filed requesting protective injunctions."
He continued: "Unfortunately, these are just the cases that were filed. Many cases go unreported."
Jacksonville Sheriff T.K. Waters said the sheriff's office is committed to helping survivors heal from their traumas while holding their abusers accountable.
"We strive to play an important role in your healing. Partnered together, survivors and law enforcement advocates will promote a culture of accountability that champions survivors. Until all survivors are safe, our work continues," said Waters.
Hubbard House launched the social media campaign #UntilYouAreSafe to let survivors know they are not alone and can find safety, no matter the situation.
"The journey to safety may be scary and dangerous, but safety is possible. Survivor, until you are safe- and every moment after when you need us - Hubbard House is here for you," said Patin.
Click here to read the Domestic Violence Fatality Review Team Report.
Resources
If you or someone you know needs help in a domestic violence situation, Hubbard House has a 24-hour hotline and text line. The hotline number is 904-354-3114 and the text line number is 904-210-3698.
Survivors can also make an appointment or walk into the Hubbard House Outreach Center at 6629 Beach Blvd, Monday to Friday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. All Hubbard House services are free and confidential.
If you or someone you know is having a mental health crisis and needs help right away: Anyone experiencing suicidal thoughts can reach the suicide prevention lifeline 24/7 by calling or texting 988.
Children and teens can call the Wolfson Children's Hospital free mental health hotline at any time at 904-202-7900, or text the word "Life" to 741-741 and a counselor will text you back.
