JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – In honor of Domestic Violence Awareness Month, Hubbard House hosted its annual breakfast on Wednesday, an event dedicated to honoring survivors, remembering victims, and striving for a violence-free future.
This year’s event, emceed by Melanie Lawson, provided a platform for two courageous survivors to share their powerful stories in the hope of inspiring change.
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The event also featured a moving tribute — a visual reminder of the lives lost to domestic violence. Tables with hundreds of empty chairs represented the more than 200 lives lost since the breakfast began 30 years ago.
Each chair carried a purple card with the name and story of a victim, including a 21-year-old woman shot by her husband just to name one.
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Dozens of heartbreaking symbols emphasized the importance of remembering those who tragically lost their lives to violence.
Despite the sadness, there were also seeds of hope. Over the years, Hubbard House has supported more than 150,000 survivors and their children, helping them escape violent situations and rebuild their lives.
One of those survivors, Stephanie, shared her journey of breaking free from an abusive relationship.
“After being threatened, beaten, and stalked, I finally left my abuser,” she said. “It’s amazing — I can breathe again, I can be myself, I’ve found myself.”
In front of the audience, Stephanie found the strength to reveal this painful chapter of her life, knowing that others were still suffering in silence.
“I thought I was alone, but when I went to the courthouse and when I called Hubbard House, they showed me compassion, care, understanding, and love. It made me feel safe and know that I was not alone,” Stephanie said.
Latisha, another survivor, shared a similar story of abuse but with an additional layer of abandonment. Having been left at birth and growing up without support, she never knew the comfort of being cared for until someone, whom she calls her “warrior,” brought her to Hubbard House.
“I felt peace and reassurance. Somebody took me under their wing. I grew up without my parents, and I was in foster care. So, just to have someone say, ‘I’m here to hold your hand through this process’ — I melted,“ Latisha said. ”I felt like a child again. I felt safe for the first time in a long time.”
For both women, the road to healing was long and difficult, but their message was clear: There is light on the other side. Help is available — non-judgmental, patient, and trained help, 24/7. All it takes is the first step.
Hubbard House continues to provide life-saving and life-changing services for survivors of domestic violence in Duval and Baker counties, offering a beacon of hope for those in need. If you need help call 904-354-3114 or text 904-210-3698.
Resources
If you or someone you know is or has been a victim of domestic violence or abuse, here’s a list of other resources available:
- The Florida Domestic Violence Hotline, which will direct you to the nearest shelter, is 1-800-500-1119.
- The National Domestic Violence Hotline is open 24 hours a day. The number is 1-800-799-SAFE.
- The Micah’s Place (Nassau County) Domestic Violence Help Hotline is 904-225-9979.
- The Quigley House (Clay County) hotline is 904-284-0061.
- The Betty Griffin Center (St. Johns County) can be reached at 904-824-1555.