Advocates explain warning signs, share resources after recent domestic violence cases in Jacksonville – News4JAX

Advocates explain warning signs, share resources after recent domestic violence cases in Jacksonville  News4JAX

Three recent domestic violence cases in Northeast Florida are raising questions about how to recognize danger before it turns deadly. We look at the warning signs, how Jacksonville’s INVEST program identifies high-risk survivors, and where victims can turn for help,even if calling police doesn’t feel like an option. JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Three recent domestic violence cases in Northeast Florida are raising difficult questions about what can be done before violence turns deadly — and what options survivors have when they are afraid to call police or are not ready to leave. In Jacksonville, advocates with Hubbard House say help does not have to begin with leaving an abusive relationship.

It can begin with recognizing the danger, making a safety plan and understanding what resources are available. That work is also happening proactively through a Jacksonville program called INVEST — the Intimate Violence Enhanced Services Team. The program brings together Hubbard House advocates, specially trained Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office officers and a City of Jacksonville representative to identify and intervene in potentially lethal domestic violence cases. The issue has taken on added urgency following several recent cases. In Bradford County, deputies say 42-year-old Stephanie Michelle Johnson shot and killed her live-in partner, 41-year-old David James Wroblewski, during an argument on Aug. 31. Johnson has been charged with second-degree murder. RELATED | Woman