Local advocates, domestic violence survivor speak at news conference in Jacksonville

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Ahead of the start of Domestic Violence Awareness Month on Wednesday, local advocates and law enforcement shared updated statistics at a news conference on Tuesday at the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office headquarters.

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Tonia is a domestic violence survivor. She told her story on its impact in her life and how she was able to break free.

“I know there are many women going through this right now, and to those women, safety is possible. Organizations like the Hubbard House are here for you. You can stand on your own, you are worth it,” Tonia said.

She said what helped her take the first step was her children and Hubbard House helped her in her journey forward.

“I’m originally from North Carolina, so we didn’t have anything like this when I was going through Valley Views but as I’ve been working with Ms. Stephanie...organizations like the Hubbard House is what’s going to bring a survivor to a place where they know they can make it and they can see a brighter day,” Tonia said.

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Khary Gaynor from the State Attorney’s Office gave statistics on the number of cases it reviewed involving domestic homicide cases.

• 2023: 10 cases
• 2022: 14 cases
• 2021: 17 cases.

“The data from last year, although not outside of the norm, was not encouraging giving 2023 numbers, and while we know the goal of reaching zero domestic homicides may not seem plausible, it is a meaningful effort each and every day,” Gaynor said.

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JSO said in 2025, there were 5,442 reported domestic violence cases. In 2024, there were 5,334 reported cases. In 2023, there were over 6,000 reported cases.

To help fight domestic violence, JSO created the Intimate Violence Enhanced Services Team (INVEST) to help survivors.

“Jacksonville is blessed to have resources such as the Hubbard House, because without their committed advocates...the agencies simply could not support our survivors of domestic violence in the holistic way necessary to end the cycle of violence,” Director of the Department of Investigations Edwin Cayenne said.

The full conference can be watched below.