JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — City officials, JSO officers and the Justice Coalition are honoring survivors and victims of crime in the Victory over Violence breakfast today.
Jacksonville’s Mayor offers her support to the city’s victims and survivors of violent crime this morning.
Surrounded by families who have lost a loved one, Mayor Donna Deegan had this to say.
“If you or a loved one unexpectedly becomes a victim of a violent crime, I cannot even imagine the pain, the grief, the scars both seen and unseen, that you can carry each and every day,” Deegan said.
The mayor was joined by State Attorney Melissa Nelson and JSO’s Mark Romano as they each discussed how important victim advocacy is and what their organizations do to support them.
JSO officer Jennifer Johnson was attacked earlier this year, responding to a theft at a local Walmart.
Johnson shares her harrowing attack and her long-term recovery after a suspect broke her jaw.
She says her personal experience with violence has helped her understand what survivors go through every day, and it turn it makes her a better able to serve the community.
Officer Johnson held back tears as she said, “I was able to look my attacker in the eye, while firmly holding him with all my strength, and ask him ‘why did you did that to me?’ I knew in that moment that I would never give up and I still had to work to finish the fight, and my fight continues to this day. Many will say that the suspect chose the wrong victim that day, but I see it very differently. I have learned so much about myself in my recovery, and believe that he chose the right victim, because I will not let this ever define me.”
More family members spoke out about the loved ones they’ve lost, with the kind of passion only faith can restore, meanwhile many in the crowd, some in uniforms or suits, were moved to tears and standing ovations.
The non-profit, advocacy work of the Justice Coalition, in partnership with city leaders, continues to help people hurt by violence to navigate the justice system, heal their trauma, and help the community recovery.
©2023 Cox Media Group
Sign Up
