The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office reported that the first incident took place on Wednesday morning in the Argyle Forest neighborhood. A woman in her mid-30s suffered a gunshot wound to the face, inflicted by her boyfriend during an argument at their apartment complex.

Despite her injuries, the woman managed to flee the scene and seek help. “The victim was able to escape the apartment and flag somebody down to call 911,” explained JSO Sgt. Christopher Smith. Thankfully, her injuries are not considered life-threatening.

These incidents underscore the urgent need for community awareness and intervention in domestic violence cases, as law enforcement continues to respond to such distressing situations.

Police said the couple was arguing when a shot was fired. The woman has was left with non-life-threatening injuries.

Then on Tuesday night, another domestic dispute turned violent.

The sheriff’s office said a man and his girlfriend were arguing, the girlfriend’s son confronted him, then fired multiple shots at him, striking him twice in the chest.

The Hubbard House helps victims of domestic violence and their families by providing emergency shelter, outreach and a 24/7 hotline.

For nearly 50 years, they have answered 143,000 hotline calls and helped more than 165,000 survivors.

Stephanie Brown, director of community education with Hubbard House, recognizes how added financial and emotional stress during the holidays can lead tensions to escalate into violence.

“This time of yea, there’s a lot of stress that’s present on so many families, you know, maybe you wanna buy gifts for the kids and you don’t have enough money, maybe you lost a job,” said Brown. “We know that stress is real. The unfortunate thing is, is that an abuser blames that stress to justify the violence.” 

Brown encourages friends, family and neighbors to speak up and offer support if they can.

“Maybe the abuser has been controlling all of that survivor’s money,” she said. “So, if she leaves, how is she going to put a roof over her kids’ heads? You know, where is their next meal going to come from? Anyone in our community who wants to support a survivor, what we want them to say is, ‘I care about you. You deserve to be safe.’”

To survivors, Brown acknowledges leaving is not easy, but said help is available when they’re ready.

“Whether it’s that call to our hotline, coming to our outreach center, going to our website to investigate and learn more, we are here when you’re ready and you deserve to be safe,” said Brown.

If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, you can contact Hubbard House’s 24/7 hotline at 904-354-3114.

You can also call the Florida Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-500-1119.