DOMESTIC VIOLENCE

A local mom who lost her daughter to domestic violence in 2019 is taking action for Domestic Violence Awareness Month.

This signature fundraiser memorializes the local lives lost because of domestic violence, while sending an inspiring message of strength and hope to all survivors.

Jennifer Rodriguez works for the Quigley House, a domestic violence and sexual assault center in Jacksonville, and said approximately 1 in 4 people are experiencing domestic violence.

The Attorney General, Deputy Attorney General and Associate Attorney General were joined by leadership of the Justice Department’s Office on Violence Against Women (OVW). At the outset of the meeting, Attorney General Garland reaffirmed that combatting gender-based violence has long been and remains today a priority for the Justice Department. The Attorney General discussed the department’s FY 2022 Budget request, which includes an historic investment of $1 billion to support the work of the OVW. He noted that he was serving as Principal Associate Deputy Attorney General in 1995 when the Justice Department first established a dedicated office to address domestic violence and sexual assault. Among the Deputy Attorney General’s responsibilities was gathering personal stories from individual survivors to illustrate the dire need for stronger legal protections.

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – A Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department engineer could lose his job after he was arrested on accusations that he beat his girlfriend, a city spokeswoman confirmed Friday. The victim said Callahan, her boyfriend of six months, beat her up the night before, according to his arrest report. She told deputies he was drunk when she picked him up at home and he grew more intoxicated as they stopped at multiple bars that night. AdDeputies found blood on Callahan’s front door, which looked like it had been kicked in, according to the report. He told deputies the victim hit and cut herself and suggested that his injuries might have happened while defending himself.

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – A man was shot just after 2 a.m. in a Wesconnett home, according to the Jacksonville SHeriff’s Office. The victim was shot in the arm and Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department transported the man to the nearest local hospital to be treated. JSO believes this is a domestic situation involving a woman and her boyfriend. Detectives with the Violent Crimes Unit are following up with this investigation. Police ask anyone who witnessed this incident to contact their non-emergency number at (904) 630-0500, or if you wish to remain anonymous call Crime stoppers at 866-845-TIPS, or you can email them at jsocrimetips@jaxsheriff.org.

CLAY COUNTY, Fla. – Domestic violence can affect anyone. “In a one-minute period of time, 20 people experience domestic violence,” said Jennifer Rodriguez, director of sexual assault services for Quigley House in Clay County. Clay County Sheriff Michelle Cook said no one is immune to domestic violence -- even her own family. Clay County took time Friday during Domestic Violence Awareness month to remind everyone that these aren’t just numbers, they’re family members and friends. The Clay County Sheriff’s Office’s free services are available at 904-529-4081, and the 24/7 Quigley House hotline is at 904-284-0061.

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – One in three women and one in four men have experienced some form of physical violence by an intimate partner, according to statistics from the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence. During Domestic Violence Awareness Month, Hubbard House continued its work to combat the ongoing problem and hosted its annual breakfast Thursday morning. For the first time, the 26th annual Barbara Ann Campbell Memorial Breakfast was free and virtual. Press play below to re-watch the event:Local leaders and other members of the community took part in the event to learn about domestic violence and hear from strong survivors who have found safety. Hubbard House is a full-service certified domestic violence center providing prevention and intervention to domestic violence survivors and their families in Duval and Baker counties in Northeast Florida.

The family is planning a celebration of life for her in March for her birthday but not waiting to begin advocating for victims of domestic violence. Her name will live on through Being Brandi’s Voice.” It’s an organization on Facebook to help to domestic violence victims. Woman whose family said was stabbed & killed by her husband in Hastings after she recently left him, was a mom of 2 -- 9 & 14 yo. Brooker’s aunt told News4Jax their family has known the Perkins family all their lives. Any additional money raised, will go toward domestic violence victims through Being Brandi’s Voice, an organization created in Brooker’s memory to provide instant help to domestic violence victims.

RELATED: Stay-at-home orders fuel concerns about domestic violence & abuseThat's why Hubbard House is now offering a text messaging option for those who need help. “We know that many survivors are currently isolated with their abusers, so calling the traditional Hubbard House Domestic Violence Hotline just isn’t an option for them,” explained Hubbard House CEO Dr. Gail Patin. Safety is always a concern, so survivors who utilize Hubbard House’s 24/7 Domestic Hotline, by telephone or text, are urged to exercise caution. “Text messaging provides Hubbard House with a new way to discreetly, anonymously and confidentially deliver help and hope to survivors,” said Patin. “It will help them to connect with caring experts and receive the help they need when they need it most."

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – A former Chicago Red Sox pitcher and current employee of Duval County Public Schools was arrested last month on a domestic violence charge. According to court documents, Joel Clark Davis, 55, was arrested Feb. 15 on a charge of violating an injunction for protection against domestic violence and he remains in the Duval County jail. The injunction for protection was filed in 2012 and extended the following year. Davis was the head baseball coach at Atlantic Coast High School since the school opened in 2011 until earlier this year. Resources for domestic violence victims are available throughout Northeast Florida:

Conant, who was Rushing's business partner, is nearly two years into a three year and four month prison sentence for domestic battery by strangulation. Peter Conant is serving time in prison for domestic battery by strangulation. While the two ran their business together and things appeared fine on the outside, Rushing said Conant was abusive behind closed doors. Rushing said Conant strangled her, hit her multiple times in the face and locked her in a room. Rack City CrossFit owner Anna Rushing is a domestic abuse survivor.

EATOTON, Ga (AP) – A Georgia police officer who said his wife killed herself during an argument has been charged with her murder, authorities said. Eatonton Police Officer Michael Perrault was charged with murder in the death of his wife Amanda Perrault, 44, Putnam County Sheriff Howard Sills told news outlets Wednesday. Amanda Perrault was found fatally shot in the head at her home on Monday. Prior to Amanda Perrault’s death, Michael Perrault was arrested Jan. 28 and charged with simple battery, family violence and cruelty to children in the third degree. Michael Perrault has been a Eatonton police officer since 2018.

YULEE, Fla. – A former Nassau County commissioner was arrested over the weekend on suspicion of domestic battery involving his grandson. George Spicer, 66, was released from the Nassau County jail on his own recognizance Sunday after being booked on two counts of domestic battery and one count of depriving the use of 911 communications. Witnesses said Spicer punched his grandson in the face and dragged him out of the home by his hair. Spicer was elected to the Nassau County Commission in 2014, serving one term until his 2018 defeat. There are resources available for victims and survivors of domestic violence.