February 2021
Your Monthly News & Updates
Message from the Chair, Jennifer Young
Dear Friends:

We have arrived at 2021 and I for one, am very glad for that! It has been a very challenging year for sure. I want to begin by acknowledging those who have lost loved ones to COVID19 and to those who have been impacted. This has been a public health crisis that has led to extreme hardship and struggle. It is too early to truly understand the impact on survivors of domestic violence. However, an article published in the New England Journal of Medicine in September of 2020 stated, “In some regions, the number of calls dropped by more than 50%. Experts in the field knew that rates of IPV had not decreased, but rather that victims were unable to safely connect with services.” Our entire community has been more isolated than ever before and, as a result, victims of domestic violence have likely been highly impacted during this time. We can presume that victims have been unable to reach out for help and unable to access services that they might have been involved in pre-COVID. As a community, we will need to act with intention to ensure that anyone who needs to get safe and/or who needs services is able to get them in the coming months. I am eager to assist in this effort with all of you.

As we start a new year, we are beginning with a new name as well. The steering committee decided to take on the task of finding a name that better fit our path going forward. With much discussion, both during steering committee meetings and with our general meeting members, the decision was made to go forward as the Pinellas Coalition to End Domestic Violence. It was important that we focus on the idea of building and functioning as a coalition. The goal, as it has been since our inception, is to bring the community together to ensure that we are working together to end domestic violence. Now more than ever, we have a need to bring the community together – DV centers, community agencies, law enforcement, spiritual centers, state’s attorney, public defenders, businesses, neighbors, survivors – all of us must work together. Our aim is to be the place where all are welcome to share resources and events, to learn about the latest in treatment and services, to be the leading advocates on a county, state and federal level for funding and legislation.

The Coalition has a long history of leading the efforts to build a coordinated community response to prevent domestic violence in Pinellas County. Our Coalition has been a leader nationwide for the development and management of our Fatality Review Team. When the state ended its oversite of Batterer Intervention Programs, our Coalition created a process for oversight in coordination with our providers. Our Education Committee developed and hosted a Be A Better Bystander training for the community. Our Prevention Committee continues to work within the school system to provide information for children and teens about healthy relationships. Our members, as part of our Coalition, as volunteers or as employees of other agencies, have worked hard over the last two decades to ensure that Pinellas County is working hard to end domestic violence. Our future will be no different. It is my goal to continue to utilize and build on this foundation. 
In the coming months, I will be asking our steering committee, our committee chairs and our general assembly members to develop specific goals for 2021 and 2022. I will be asking for a particular focus on education and legislation. We will take some time to identify what we can do in these areas that will best serve survivors. I hope that we can increase our membership and bring as many people to the table as possible to complete our goals. 

As with most challenges we face, there are things to learn and new opportunities to grow. I have seen an increase focus on self-care in 2020 as a clinician in private practice. This is good news. Creating a community and a societal shift towards self-care helps everyone, but most importantly, helps survivors of domestic violence. A focus on self-care means a focus on safety and wellbeing. When the community lifts up these values, we can better lift up survivors. I hope that the 20’s will be a decade of self-care and healing for our country and our community.

Peace to you,
Jennifer Young, LMHC
In the News
Remembering Bernie McCabe, State Attorney, Sixth Judicial Circuit
Mr. McCabe died on January 1, 2021 at the age of 73.  He spent nearly thirty years as our county’s top prosecutor.  Mr. McCabe was an icon in the legal community and law enforcement, leaving a legacy of service, integrity, and commitment to public safety.  He also had a heart for children, supported juvenile diversion programs, and served on boards such as the Juvenile Welfare Board and Suncoast Family YMCA.  In 1996, Mr. McCabe agreed to begin a misdemeanor domestic violence unit which exists to this day.  He also was one of the first State Attorneys in Florida to create drug treatment and veteran’s treatment courts.  He had a passion for work and while he did not court controversy, he was not afraid to address it when needed.  With Bernie McCabe’s death we lose a dedicated public servant.  
Upcoming PCEDV Meetings and Events
January Agency in the Spotlight

Bikers Against Child Abuse, Inc. (BACA) exists with the intent to create a safer environment for children. BACA's mission is to empower abused children not to be afraid of the world in which they live.

Click Here for the B.A.C.A. International Website


B.A.C.A. Contacts

888-611-2275

For referrals: Info@bb-fl.bacaworld.org


Upcoming Community Meetings and Events

Use Promo Code 19212
Lunch, Gift Cards and Wellness check up (including COVID-19 antibody test)