1. Domestic Violence: An Orlando Initiative Emily Forbes

2. The Problem  Number one crime in America.  The city of Orlando has seen an increase of domestic violence cases by 12.5 from 2008 to 2009.  Child abuse cases directly related to domestic violence remain at an all time high of 3,000.  Orlando’s 2 biggest areas of concern are Edgewood and Pine Hills.

4. Analysis of Problem  With out taking notice into the epidemic of domestic violent cases in Orlando we are not admitting that our community is facing a problem. But we are. Orlando is facing a huge problem that is affecting much more than our social status. Domestic violence may start in the home but it trickles down into our community. Children in our school systems are affected and often bring the learned violent behavior into the classroom. Police officers are overworked due to thousands of domestic disputes. Innocent bystanders are injured and often killed due to a domestic dispute. Records show 6 out of 7 deaths related to domestic violence are not the intimate partner of the abuser but of an innocent non affiliated person. Orlando needs to step up and take care of its citizens. By allowing this problem to continue the amount of domestic violent cases will indeed continue to increase.

5. The Question? What is Orlando/Orange county doing to combat the epidemic of domestic violence we are experiencing as a community?

6. Related Disciplines  The two disciplines I chose to focus my research project on are: Behavioral and Social Science and Health Science.  Behavioral/Social Science- looks into the aspect of behavior. Sociology and Psychology are both apart of this discipline. Understanding personalities and environmental factors are key in helping combat domestic violence.  Health Science- dives into the medical side of domestic violence. The after effects of domestic violence are horrific and often leads to death, not only of the intimate partner but to other innocent bystanders.  Relation: By combining the two disciplines we are able to have a deepened look into domestic violence. We not only look at the health side but also into the behavioral side and environment to understand the issue as a whole.

7. Common Ground Community Health and Wellbeing Why is this important to both disciplines? Both health science and behavioral and social science are a promoter of health and wellbeing. Where as health science looks at health on a more personal level behavioral and social science takes personal and environment health into account. By acknowledging the fact that both disciplines are affected by the common ground they will work together to find a solution.

8. Harbor House  Working with the Harbor House provided great insight into the problem of domestic violence. There unfortunately is a stigma attached to domestic violence and people are often unwilling to face it. Harbor House takes great pride in the education about DV. We can help, our community can help. No one deserves to be a victim and we as a whole community need to help eliminate such problems.

9. Is anyone noticing?  The great news is: People are taking steps to help eliminate this problem.  Luckily domestic violence is something people are extremely passionate and Florida is blessed to have over 42 shelters to help victims get out and get help.  The most recognized support here in central Florida is the Harbor House. The Harbor house provides a safe haven for domestic violent survivors. Not only do they give them a place to live safely but they also provide them with services to retain their safety and get their lives back on track.

10. Solution  The University of Central Florida and Harbor House have joined together to help reduce and eliminate domestic violence in Orlando. This initiative is called ‘Project Courage’ and is sweeping Orange County, Fl. The idea is to start in a small 6 block radius and teach those about domestic violence and create a zero tolerance attitude. The training will be initially given to emergency responders, police officers, medical staff, teacher and community leaders. It will later teach students, parents, community groups and business professionals the signs of domestic violence. Awareness will be a major factor in this initiative.

11. Project Courage continued.  The initiative will start in one of the red zones (earlier map shown), i.e. the predominately affected area. Once the area is educated and starts to change will the project courage move into a different part of the community.  Community health and well being is truly important for a successful community. Orlando is understanding this and finally changing its ways to make a difference.  Project Courage is a major milestone for the City of Orlando.

12. Results?  What can our community see as a result from this initiative. Keeping in mind our related disciplines we will see many changes. With a reduction of domestic violent cases we are freeing up our police and emergency responders, with more availability they can hold a more prominent position in the community. With a higher education of domestic violence we can expect to see less violence in our school systems, creating a healthier educational environment. With a zero tolerant attitude to domestic violence we can expect to see a reduction of individuals in our county jails, resulting in more money directed into the betterment of out community. Lastly and most importantly we will see a reduction in injury and death related to domestic violence. This is something that will not happen overnight but will take time in the making. Orlando has taken the right steps in order to begin to stop this epidemic. As a community we need to stand behind our leaders and volunteer time to our shelters and help in making the difference.