JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — A Jacksonville-based domestic violence shelter is calling on the community to reach out to victims. Hubbard House held its annual event Tuesday to mark the beginning of Domestic Violence Awareness Month. This year, they are encouraging people to 'Be a Bridge to Safety.'

Speaking to a room full of advocates and law enforcement officers Tuesday, domestic violence survivor, Tonia, shared her harrowing story of abuse and almost death.

"He said 'my brother killed his wife and I’m going to kill you. If I can’t have you, no one else will,'" Tonia recalled.

Tonia was finally able to leave her relationship and started over in Jacksonville more than a decade ago. That is when she found Hubbard House.

"There's too many women dying each and every day living in silence and if t

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