Demings declares October Domestic Violence Awareness Month

Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings declared October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month last week. 

Domestic Violence Awareness Month launched nationwide in October 1987. The month serves as "a way to connect and unite individuals and organizations working on domestic violence issues while raising awareness for those issues," according to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence. 

Since then, progress has been made to support domestic violence victims and survivors, to hold abusers accountable, and to create and update legislation to further those goals. 

Demings was joined by survivors of domestic violence as well as other community leaders for the issuing of the proclamation. 

Last year, Orange County had more than 7,000 reported domestic violence cases, but the fear is that many people are not reporting it.

The Harber House of Central Florida is one of the local organization's trying to change that. 

The Harber House works to "prevent and eliminate domestic abuse in the area by providing critical life-saving services to survivors, implementing and advancing best practices, and educating and engaging the community in a united front," according to the organization. 

Through Harbor House, domestic violence survivors can obtain help with housing, financial management, childcare and even pets.

Harbor House CEO Michelle Sperzel said one of the most important aspects the organization offers is its 24-hour crisis hotline.

“We have at least 500 calls a month, and just about 6000 individuals that reach out to us every year on that hotline,” Sperzel said. 

Olivia*, a domestic-abuse survivor, shared that her abusive husband is now serving a life sentence. She said Harbor House helped transform her life. 

“I had been abused by every man in my life; it was a cycle that I was not aware of,” Olivia said. “I took advantage of every opportunity that Harbor House presented to me. I am beautifully broken. And I am moving beyond the bruises.”

The Ocoee Police Department is one of the many organization's showing support and raising awareness for DVAM.  

The Ocoee PD shared the frequency and severity of domestic violence can vary dramatically. It includes physical violence, sexual violence, threats and emotional abuse.

"Domestic violence can happen to anyone of any race, age, sexual orientation, race, or gender," Ocoee PD officials shared in an infographic. "It happens to couples who are married, living together or are dating."

The Orange County Sheriff's Office also has shown support with its purple patrol vehicles. 

"October is #DomesticViolenceAwarenessMonth, and the members of our Domestic Crimes Unit want you to know that we are here to help," OCSO officials said. 

If you need help or know someone who does, call 9-1-1.

The Harbor House 24-hour crisis hotline can be reached at (407) 886-2856. 

The Victim Service Center hotline is also available 24/7 at (407) 500-4325. 

*: Last names have been omitted to preserve anonymity.