BUNNELL, FL – All three of Flagler County’s law enforcement agencies come together during the month of October to help raise awareness of the dangers of domestic violence.
The Flagler County Sheriff’s Office (FCSO), the Flagler Beach Police Department (FBPD) and the Bunnell Police Department (BPD) have each customized a patrol vehicle with special purple markings in honor of National Domestic Violence Awareness Month.
FCSO’s vehicle (below) is a Dodge Charger with purple accents in place of its normal gold accents and a purple ribbon on the hood. It will be driven by a patrol deputy and become a permanent addition to the FCSO fleet, according to Flagler County Sheriff Rick Staly.
“Even though we’ve seen declines in our reported domestic violence numbers, the dangers of domestic violence stretch far beyond Flagler County,” Sheriff Staly added. “20 people on average are physically abused by their intimate partners every minute in the United States. One in three women and one in four men have been physically abused by their partners. We hope these vehicles will inspire these victims to escape bad relationships and call law enforcement or the Family Life Center for help if needed.”
Click here to learn more about the nationwide impact of domestic violence.
As of October 11, 384 domestic violence reports have been filed in Flagler County, a 14% reduction compared to the same time last year (448). There’s also been a 5% decline in domestic violence arrests countywide, with 324 arrests so far in 2022 versus 341 at the same time last year.
The Flagler Beach Police Department has placed a purple ribbon on a marked Ford Explorer (below). It will be regularly seen in Flagler Beach during the month of October, according to FBPD Chief Matthew Doughney.
“We’re proud to once again join the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office and the Bunnell Police Department as a united Law Enforcement front against domestic violence,” Chief Doughney added. “Unity and awareness are key components toward making our community safer for everyone and the purple domestic violence awareness ribbons on our vehicles is a sign of our unified commitment to combating domestic violence anywhere in Flagler County.”
The Bunnell Police Department has marked one of their Ford Explorers (below) with purple stripes and a purple ribbon on the hood. It will be regularly seen in the city during the month of October, according to BPD Chief David Brannon.
“Every one of us knows at least one person impacted by domestic violence,” Chief Brannon added. “The impact affects all levels of our society and is especially devastating for children. Victims endure physical, financial and psychological entrapments and need help to break the cycle. Law enforcement is here to start that process, to hold the abuser accountable and assist victims to find needed help. For those currently in abusive relationships, you have the power to change your physical and emotional experience. All it takes is one phone call and we will help you. The Bunnell Police Department joins with the resource agencies and voices in our community who are actively working hard to bring an end to domestic violence.”
Earlier this month, all three agencies unveiled specially marked vehicles to raise awareness for National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Those vehicles and the domestic violence vehicles were all striped at the Sheriff Perry Hall Inmate Detention Facility by inmates who are trained in vinyl graphics application as part of the Sheriff’s Homeward Bound Initiative. All material costs were donated.
