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How domestic violence victims can get help

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Police are investigating an attempted murder-suicide as an incident of domestic violence in Jacksonville.

Experts at Jacksonville’s Hubbard House, advocates for victims of domestic violence, have information on how victims can get help, so things never escalate to this level.

“It makes me think about how we still need to get the message out to let victims know that there is help,” Doctor Gail Patin said.

Dr. Patin said in most cases, there are warning signs such as extreme jealousy and the need to control situations, before violence escalates to this level.

“I would just want to encourage people to call the hotline, even if you think, 'Oh, it's not that bad,'” Dr. Patin said. “But you have that question in your mind of, 'Is this something that I might need to look at?' to call the hotline, which is 1-800-500-1119.”

Hubbard House encourages victims to call that hotline from a safe place, one their abuser doesn't know about and one their abuser would have no way of finding them.

“That one phone call could save your life,” Dr. Patin said.

Visit the Hubbard House's website for more information.

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