By: Aida Quinones
Knowledge is essential in the fight to end domestic violence. It is not a private issue; it concerns all of us. What we do or don’t do, what we say or don’t say, and even what we think can make a devastating difference in how we respond to any domestic abuse situation or how we stand with survivors.
Victims come in all shapes and sizes. Family members, friends, neighbors, coworkers, anyone can be a victim. One day you could be in a position that requires you to choose to help or to look away.
This information is intended to empower you to be more than a bystander. This article aims to inform and motivate you. By simply knowing the basic facts, we can begin to take action against this epidemic.
What is domestic violence?
In Florida, domestic violence encompasses a broad range of abusive behaviors within a family or household. The statute recognizes acts such as assault, aggravated assault, battery, aggravated battery, sexual assault, sexual battery, stalking, aggravated stalking, kidnapping, false imprisonment, and other criminal offenses that result in physical injury or death of one family or household member by another.
In practical terms, domestic violence is a pattern of abusive tactics used by a spouse, partner, or other intimate relation to establish or maintain power and control over the victim. The statute also outlines protective measures, intervention processes, and other considerations for addressing this crime.
Forms of Domestic Violence
Domestic violence takes many forms and can happen occasionally or continuously. It often worsens over time. Examples of different forms of domestic violence include:
Psychological and Emotional Abuse: The victim is told she is ugly, fat, hopeless, stupid, or a bad parent. This form includes stalking, intimidation, or emotional blackmail with statements such as, “If you really love me, you would…”
Social Abuse: The victim is prevented from seeing people she wants to see or is pressured to distance herself from family or friends because of ongoing arguments.
Financial Abuse: The victim is not given enough money to feed and clothe herself or her children, or receives no money for paying bills but is expected to make ends meet. The victim may be forced to hand over her money or is prevented by the perpetrator from getting or keeping a job.
Physical Abuse: The victim is pushed, shoved, slapped, hit, punched, or kicked, or objects are used as weapons. This is the most visible form of domestic violence.
Understanding the scope
Domestic violence is not limited to one incident; it often involves a pattern of behavior aimed at control and intimidation.
Not all incidents qualify as a criminal offense, but many can escalate into more serious crimes such as battery, assault, sexual violence, or kidnapping.
In Northeast Florida, you may encounter a range of responses from law enforcement, the court system, and community services designed to protect victims and hold offenders accountable.
Impact and reach
There is extensive research on the impact, dynamics, and consequences of domestic violence. Despite protections and resources, the global burden remains heavy: millions of people are affected each year, with women disproportionately impacted. In Florida, survivors face barriers such as safety concerns, housing instability, financial dependency, and ongoing risk from perpetrators. Our communities in Northeast Florida, including Jacksonville, St. Augustine, Palm Coast, Fernandina Beach, and surrounding areas, benefit from coordinated local services that include hotlines, shelters, legal aid, counseling, and coordinated court processes.
What can we do here in Northeast Florida?
- Learn the signs of abuse and how to respond safely and confidentially.
- Support survivors with empathy, nonjudgmental listening, and practical resources such as safety planning and access to services.
- Share accurate information and connect people to local resources: hotlines, shelters, legal aid, counseling, and emergency services.
- Advocate for policies and programs that promote prevention, accountability, and access to justice.
- Educate ourselves and others, especially youth and communities of color, about healthy relationships, consent, and respectful behavior.
Local resources for Northeast Florida
- Domestic violence hotlines and crisis lines (24/7 confidential support)
- Local shelters and transitional housing options
- Legal aid and crime victims’ services
- Family justice centers or multi-agency collaborations (where available)
- Prosecutors’ victim-witness programs and court accompaniment services
- Community-based counseling, parenting support, and safety planning services
- Faith-based and community organizations offering nonjudgmental support
Strengthening our resolve
As a woman, mother, and victim advocate, I am proud and privileged to support this effort. I hope that you are encouraged and motivated to join me in this endeavor as we work together to uplift survivors and hold offenders accountable.
This year’s #CallforUnity invites us to recognize and honor organizations that embody what it means to be #WithSurvivors. Join the call by tagging organizations and individuals that show up for survivors. Be sure to include #CallforUnity and #WithSurvivors!
Learn more at DVAM 2025: With Survivors, Always
Read the complete October 2025 edition of the Victims’ Advocate (PDF)