BCSO, Sheriff Ivey Focus On Domestic Violence In This Week’s Crime Prevention Tips of the Week

ABOVE VIDEO: Domestic Violence PSA

BREVARD COUNTY, FLORIDA – As we discussed in last week’s Crime Prevention Message, Domestic Violence continues to impact our nation at alarming levels and is a crime that we must all work together to eradicate from our communities.

As our agency focuses our Crime Prevention efforts this year in stopping Domestic Violence for generations to come, it’s important to know the various tips that can help avoid becoming the victim of this type of crime and abuse.

1. Awareness: In order to prevent Domestic Violence we must first understand and recognize the patterns of behavior of the perpetrator of Domestic Violence. In most cases the abuser follows a distinct pattern in how they choose and target their victims. They also escalate in violence each time in similar patterns so watch for indicators and be aware of the potential for danger.

2. Believe In Yourself: In every aspect of life we should believe in ourselves and our abilities but it’s even more important when you become the victim of Domestic Violence as it may just be the tool that gives you the strength to leave and find safety for you and your loved ones. If the relationship is bad and dangerous get out and believing in yourself is the first step as you will recognize yourself as being worthy of a great relationship and not one filled with fear and physical abuse.

3. Watch For Jealousy: Jealousy is often a factor in Domestic Violence cases as the abuser wants to control their spouse or partner. Recognizing when jealousy is more about controlling than love is important to avoiding violence and abuse.

4. Don’t Be Isolated: A common characteristic of Domestic Violence abusers is to try and isolate their partners and to cut off the outside world where no one can recognize what is taking place or report the abuse. Watch for actions that are designed to isolate you from your family and friends. If your spouse or partner is taking away your cell phone, trying to eliminate your contact with friends or telling you to not associate with co-workers in may be an indicator of Domestic Violence.

ABOVE VIDEO: Domestic Violence PSA

5. Listen To What They Actually Say: If your partner or spouse is making threats listen to what they are actually saying. No one should have to live in fear of physical or emotional harm but certain threats are more telling than others. Threats of any type should raise a red flag that something is wrong and your relationship is in trouble.

6. Don’t Make Excuses: Don’t make excuses for the abuser’s actions such as saying “it was the alcohol,” “they are under a lot of stress,” or “it was my fault for doing that.” It is not your fault no matter what happened when the situation elevates to violence, strangulation, or in some cases death.

7. Tell Someone: Never be embarrassed to tell someone that you are being abused. Regardless if it’s a co-worker, friend, family member, or Law Enforcement your life and safety is too important to keep Domestic Violence a secret. Letting someone else know what you are dealing with provides both physical and emotional support and may be the one thing that saves your life.

8. Have A Plan: Once you have decided that you are leaving the abusive relationship, it is extremely important to develop an exit plan for your safety, your children’s safety and even the safety of your pets. Your plan needs to include financial arrangements, lodging, and even Law Enforcement intervention when necessary.

Don’t wait for the emergency to happen to go into action but instead go into action right now to save your life. There are a great number of resources out there to help in removing yourself from harm’s way such as Law Enforcement, Domestic Violence Shelters, and even the court system that can issue court orders to keep the abuser from coming near the victim. Do your research and utilize the resources that are available to help get yourself and your loved ones to safety.

As always, thank you for sharing this vital Crime Prevention information with your family and friends and for all you do to help us keep Brevard County a great place to call home!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Brevard County Sheriff Wayne Ivey has been a law enforcement officer for over three decades. Sheriff Ivey is a graduate of the FBI National Academy and has a Bachelor’s Degree from Daytona State College in Management and Supervision. Sheriff Ivey’s background in law enforcement is inclusive of Management, Criminal Investigations, Narcotics, Patrol Services, Public Integrity Investigations, and Corrections.

Prior to being elected in 2012, Sheriff Ivey served the citizens of the State of Florida as a Resident Agent in Charge for the Florida Department of Law Enforcement. As a member of the Florida Department of Law Enforcement Sheriff Ivey developed and created the country’s first ever statewide Task Force on Identity Theft. That same year the Task Force was named one of the top five most innovative programs in the country by the International Association of Chiefs of Police and investigated approximately 44 million dollars in fraud cases. Additionally, as a member of FDLE, Sheriff Ivey created the Child Abduction Response Team (C.A.R.T) that re-defined the way Child Abduction cases are conducted throughout the country today. The program was later selected as the most innovative program in the country by the International Association of Chiefs of Police and is now used as a nationwide model in the response and investigation of child abductions.

Sheriff Ivey has testified before the United States Congress on law enforcement related matters and has extensive experience in the area of Public Integrity Investigations. Sheriff Ivey was honored as the Florida Department of Law Enforcement’s Special Agent of the Year (1996) and was also recognized by the Commissioner of the Florida Department of Law Enforcement for his Outstanding Contributions to Criminal Justice. In August of 2011 Sheriff Ivey was honored by the National Organization of Victims Advocacy for his work at the national level as an advocate of victim’s rights and protection.

Sheriff Ivey speaks regularly on topics such as Identity Theft, Crime in America, Human Trafficking, Domestic Violence, and Self Defense through Mental Preparedness. Sheriff Ivey firmly believes that Crime Prevention and Education are vital to reduce our crime rate and protect our community.

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