Sunstar Paramedics and Community Action Stops Abuse (CASA) announced a joint partnership to prevent domestic violence on Oct. 30th during a press conference.

Prior to the announcement, Sunstar held a charity-bowling event on Oct. 18th to raise money for Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Sunstar matched the donations raised from the event and presented CASA with a $500 check at the press conference.

Melissa Dohme, a survivor of domestic violence who was transported by Jason Bihlajama and Jacqueline Vazquez in 2012, was on hand to address what can be done to stop domestic violence. Melissa is now a volunteer advisor to Sunstar Paramedics in their work with CASA to raise awareness surrounding the key warning signs of domestic abuse.

Domestic violence is a very real and serious issue. Since January 2013, there have been 13 women murdered in Pinellas County by a domestic partner.

“Sunstar is the first responder to many victims,” said Melissa during the event. “We can let the victim know there is a way out and agencies such as CASA and The Have are there to support them and help them find a ‘safe’ way out of the abusive relationship.”

Facts about domestic violence:

• Research shows that individuals who stalk their partners are four-times more likely to physically assault their partners than non-stalkers.
• These individuals are also six times more likely to sexually assault their partners.
• 54 percent of victims report stalking to the police prior to being killed by their stalker.
• Only 40 percent of stalking victims report to the police.

To learn more about the press conference with CASA and Sunstar, click here.