Hello Lauderhill Family!

Lauderhill Police Department has stellar response time and strong performance while on patrol. But what happens when the crime is behind closed doors?

Once every fifteen seconds, there is an additional victim of domestic abuse. All too frequently, the crime reported is domestic violence. Unfortunately, most people don’t realize just how real and close to home domestic violence is and how many lives are affected by it.

Since 1987, October has been recognized as Domestic Violence Awareness Month. The main visible symbol of this awareness campaign has been the purple ribbon. This ribbon is to honor and remember the victims of domestic violence, to educate and support awareness, and to offer strength and hope to victims in need. By raising awareness and standing up for those who cannot advocate for themselves, we have a chance to break the chain of violence that is plaguing our communities and families.

Domestic violence can show itself in a number of different forms, whether it’s physical, mental, or emotional. No matter the situation, domestic violence, in whatever form, is not how to resolve conflicts. It is NEVER okay! Three out of four people in the United States know of another person that has been, or currently is abused by another individual, but often does nothing about it.

Put plainly, domestic violence occurs when a person tries to harm, control, or influence another through physical violence or by threats and intimidation. Domestic violence can happen to anyone at any time.

There are signs to look out for. Other than physical harm, these can include situations like keeping money from a partner, isolation from family and friends, and prohibiting the other from being alone in public. It is a community effort to keep an eye out on your friends and family who may be suffering from abuse.

Abuse doesn’t have a timeline. If it happens only one time, that’s one time too many. Sometimes abuse happens all at once or it happens little by little, building up over a period of time. A victim can be anyone, despite race, culture, and sex. Although most abusive situations are of men abusing women, there certainly are women who abuse men as well. Keep in mind that most abusers tend to abuse their victims behind closed doors, so you may not realize the whole picture of the relationship.

Although it is difficult to identify an abuser, there are specific behaviors they share. Most abusers do not take responsibility for their actions, have low self-esteem, and tend to blame the victim for making them act the way they do.

One thing is certain: if you or someone you love is a victim of abuse, it is NEVER YOUR FAULT! If you are being abused, it’s important to not blame yourself and to reach out to someone who can help you!

Regardless of the circumstances, we can’t turn a blind eye to domestic abuse. If you, or someone you know, is in an abusive relationship, help them get the support they need. Contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1−800−799−7233 or the Florida Abuse Line at 1-800-96-ABUSE. For immediate intervention for an in-progress incident, call the emergency police line at 9-1-1.

Until next time…

Chief Constance Stanley