F R O M T H E S T A T E A T T O R N E Y
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violence cases referred to our office down 10% year-overyear
during the emergency.
Usually we would welcome these statistics. However,
given what we know about the incidence of domestic
violence increasing during periods of stress and isolation,
we are concerned that the decrease in calls is not the
result of less domestic violence but rather because victims
are not reaching out for help — either because they’re
scared of the effects of the coronavirus pandemic, or
they’re not able to get to a safe place where they can call
for support.
Through many media interviews, our office has
worked to send a message of hope to survivors who may
be afraid no one will be there, or that the justice system
can’t handle their case right now — assuring them that
“We Are Open.” All our partners have worked together
to make sure support for domestic violence survivors is
continuing, nonstop, no matter what.
“Our hotline and support services are all here for you.
When we say we’re here to help 24/7, we mean it. So if
you or someone you know needs to talk, or needs help
staying safe, remember that ‘We Are Open,’” said
Mindy Murphy, President & CEO of The Spring of
Tampa Bay.
Anyone needing support should call The Spring’s
24-hour crisis hotline at (813) 247-7233. Anyone in an
emergency should always call 911.
The “We Are Open” campaign launched with social
media graphics shared with more than one million
followers through a network of partners, including the
Hillsborough State Attorney’s Office, The Spring of
Tampa Bay, Hillsborough County Sheriff ’s Office, City
of Tampa, Hillsborough County Fire Rescue, Tampa
Fire Rescue, the Hillsborough County Clerk of Court,
Thaddeus Bullard a/k/a WWE Superstar Titus O’Neil,
and more.
Just as the State Attorney’s Office will continue to
prosecute domestic abusers and support victims, we
hope that the “We Are Open” campaign gives hope to
survivors that even during these strange and challenging
times, they don’t have to suffer in silence. n
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