Protecting against Domestic Violence If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, call 911. Each day, three women are killed in America by boyfriends or husbands. Men, children, elders and pets also become victims of domestic violence. Last year in North East Florida, more than 38,000 cases of domestic violence were reported. Florida law describes domestic violence as any physically abusive behavior committed by a household member that results in injury or death. Here are some signs of an abusive relationship that may result in domestic violence: You are afraid of your partner's temper You are overly concerned about what kind of mood your partner is in Your partner prevents you from seeing your friends or family, or alienates them so that they are uncomfortable being around him Your partner threatens to hurt or kill you, your children, your family, friends or pets Your partner yells at you, reprimands you, or demeans you in public Your partner hits, slaps, pushes or shoves you, pulls your hair, or inflicts physical injury on you in any way Your partner prevents you from getting or keeping a job Your partner keeps you from leaving the house or locks you out of the house. There's no reason to accept or tolerate this behavior from a spouse or domestic partner. If you need help, here's what you can do: Contact FBPD's Victims advocate(Cheryl Clark)by calling (386)517-2023 During Business Hours. After Business Hours, call the same number and an Officer will make contact with you. Leave your home or have someone stay with you. Get medical attention from your doctor or hospital emergency room. Ask the staff to photograph your injuries and keep detailed records in case you decide to take legal action.  Breaking the Cycle of Domestic Violence Information for Students and Adults Domestic violence is a serious crime that affects adults, children, even pets. Until the cycle of violence is broken, countless lives can be affected or destroyed. Here's what you can do to stop the violence: For middle school students: Respect classmates and family members. Don't make fun of or try to control them. Talk to your friends and classmates when they belittle others or make jokes about violence. When you are angry with your friends, a sibling or parents, don't try to hurt or humiliate them. Act in a non-violent, respectful way when solving conflicts. Make a contract with your classmates that abusive behavior and language is NOT OK and will not be tolerated. Form a group of classmates who will work with domestic violence staff, parents, teachers and school administrators to start a discussion about developing a school program on dating and family violence. Examine your own attitudes and behaviors. Try to live a VIOLENCE-FREE life. For high school students: Cultivate a respectful attitude toward people in your school and in your family. Avoid behaviors that demean or control women and other students. When you are angry with someone, try to resolve the conflict in a non-violent and respectful way, without hurting or humiliating the other person. Ask and learn about domestic violence, then give a presentation in school to share with your peers. Build a general agreement among your classmates and friends that abusive behavior and language is not OK and will not be tolerated. Ask your teachers or principal to work with domestic violence programs to help make your school and surrounding community safe for girls and boys. For adults: Respect others in your workplace. Avoid behaviors that demean or control women and other co-workers. When you are angry with your partner or children, respond without hurting or humiliating them. Use a non-violent respectful response to resolving conflicts in your family. If you have a friend or co-worker who is afraid of his/her partner or who is being hurt, offer your support. Build a consensus among your colleagues and neighbors that abusive behavior and language is unacceptable. Talk to your friends and neighbors when they belittle women or ignore a battered woman. Examine your own life for violence and oppressive behaviors. If you see or hear violence in progress, dial 9-1-1. If you continue to hurt friends or family or you need to get help for someone else, call the FBPD Victims Advocate at (386) 517-2023.