October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month

PANAMA CITY, Fla. (WJHG/WECP) – This happens more often than many people think. It could be your neighbor, a family member, or even you. Domestic violence comes in many forms, including emotional, psychological and physical abuse by someone living in the same household.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 32 people per minute and 1 in 2 women in the United States experience intimate partner violence. Warning signs range from name-calling and controlling behavior to lowering someone’s self-esteem, harassment and isolation.

“Whether you’re in the most affluent area of ​​the county or the lowest income area, domestic violence occurs. It’s definitely something that people need to be aware of and keep an eye on,” said Jeremy Mathis, a lieutenant in the investigative division of the Bay County Sheriff’s Office.

This year alone, the Bay County Sheriff’s Office responded to nearly 2,000 domestic violence calls. Last year, The Salvation Army Panama City helped more than 300 victims through its programs.

“There are so many different ways we can help someone, whether it’s trying to get a restraining order if they need it, getting them help moving, we have supportive counselling, supportive group counseling where the person can talk about what what he went through. , what they’re going through, emotionally, physically, in all these areas, and realize they’re not alone,” said Kimberly Garbett, director of domestic violence at The Salvation Army.

The Bay County Sheriff’s Office has created a Domestic Violence Unit with two investigators and an analyst dedicated exclusively to these cases. “If anyone believes they are or have been a victim of domestic violence, they should contact their local law enforcement agency or call the Sheriff’s Office at (850) 747-4700,” Lt. Mathis added.

The Salvation Army provides those in need with safe shelter, relocation assistance, a 24-hour crisis hotline, legal advocacy and more. Help is available to help victims cope with issues related to child welfare and other areas.

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