The Mayor's Domestic Violence Task Force
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| Nine people were murdered by their intimate partner in 2001 in Jacksonville. Of those nine victims, only two had ever
called the police for help. One can't help but wonder who might have intervened before the situations escalated to their
lethal conclusions. If only their friends, neighbors, or faith family had recognized the signs, had better known how to help. If
only their doctor had realized the real cause of some of the symptoms that had brought her/him into their office over the past years.
Perhaps there was nothing anyone could have done or perhaps it would have been as simple as offering a few encouraging
words and a brochure on local resources. For those nine people, the questions and possibilities are now meaningless. But for a
large percentage, perhaps as high as 25%, of your patients the possibility for effective intervention remains.
The Mayor's Domestic Violence Task Force is working to raise awareness and understanding of domestic violence in the health care arena because we are convinced it will save lives. In 1997 and 1998, the task force extensively researched the medical/mental health approach to domestic violence in Jacksonville. The conclusions pointed primarily to the need for consistent and standardized continuing education to improve the recognition of actual and potential victims of domestic violence. As Project Coordinator for the Task Force, I have had the opportunity to provide training to health care professionals on several occasions. Like many other professional groups with whom I have spoken, a good number of medical professionals are both mystified and frustrated by the choices victims of domestic violence make in their lives. As someone who has worked directly with victims for years, I can understand their bewilderment. On the surface, the actions of both the victim and the abusive partner appear completely illogical. Why do abusive partners have such an intense need for complete control over their partners? How can they justify the use of brutality and terror in maintaining that control? Why would anyone remain in a relationship with someone who has physically assaulted them and who mentally abuses them? Only when someone takes the time to truly understand the dynamics involved in the abusive relationship can they grasp the motivations and choices that lock both victims and their partners in place. Only when someone "gets" what is really going on in these relationships, can they intervene effectively. It is vital that all levels of medical professionals gain awareness and understanding of this issue that impacts such a large portion of our population. The Mayor's Domestic Violence Task Force is working in collaboration with Hubbard House and Victim Services Division to expand the availability of opportunities for medical professionals to receive the latest information regarding their role in eradicating this deadly societal disease. This issue of Jacksonville Medicine and the Resource Directory supplement represents the implementation of one of the recommendations from the task force. The Mayor's Domestic Violence Task Force welcomes you and your staff to join our efforts to bring quality training opportunities to all health care professionals in Jacksonville. If you are interested in joining the task force or if you would like to schedule a training event for your office, please call Gayle Alston at 630-3410. I will coordinate with our training partners to develop the type and length of presentation that will best serve your needs. May, 2002/ Jacksonville MedicineWhat's New
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