Written by: Charron Monaye, Hype Hair Contributor
Dr. Linda Parker, the CEO of Women in Distress, said, “domestic violence is up 28% across Florida. There has been a 23% rise in Broward County and a 66% increase in domestic violence deaths in 2025 alone.” On TampaBay28, the Pasco Sheriff’s Office says it has received nearly 10,000 domestic-related calls so far this year, resulting in about 2,100 domestic violence injunctions. Collectively, in the Tampa Bay region, law enforcement agencies collectively report tens of thousands of domestic-related incidents annually, with Pasco, Hillsborough and Pinellas counties among the highest in the state.
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Although these statistics are alarming, the ladies of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc., Delta Alpha Zeta Zeta Chapter remind us that behind every number lies a face, a name, a story. Families torn apart. Dreams deferred. Lives cut short. These are not just statistics—they are human beings whose cries too often go unheard. Amid this growing crisis, a powerful movement of compassion, sisterhood, and service continues to rise. As part of their Domestic Violence Awareness Initiative, the women of Delta Alpha Zeta Zeta Chapter of Pasco County have taken a courageous stand against domestic and sexual violence.“Domestic violence is important to me because I believe everyone deserves to live in a safe, loving environment, free from fear and abuse,” said Melverine Cummings, Chapter President.
Led by Soror Charron Hopson, Chair of this vital initiative, the chapter donated wellness bags, clothing, shoes, slippers, comforters, towels, and even children’s books from The Adventures of Michelle series—gentle reminders that fun, imagination, and love can help light the way through darkness, especially for children healing from trauma. These donations were given to the Sunrise of Pasco County Domestic & Sexual Violence Center in Dade City, Florida. “When we serve, we do more than give,” said Soror Charron. “We show up for those who feel invisible. We remind survivors that they are not forgotten that their pain has purpose, and that there is strength and dignity in starting over.”
The initiative, driven by the sorority’s core principles of Service, Scholarship, Sisterhood, and Finer Womanhood, reflects a deep commitment to protecting and uplifting women and families across the greater Pasco County, in Florida. “Too many women and children suffer in silence, feeling trapped with nowhere to turn. By raising awareness and supporting organizations like the Sunrise Domestic Violence Center of Pasco County, Delta Alpha Zeta Zeta Chapter provides hope, comfort, and essential resources to survivors, helping them break the cycle of pain and take their first steps toward healing, independence, and a brighter future,” said Melverine Cummings, Chapter President.Delta Alpha Zeta Zeta Chapter recognizes that domestic violence is not just a private issue, it’s a community crisis, one that thrives in silence and isolation. Every donation, every act of kindness, every open conversation helps break that silence.
A Message to Survivors: You Are Not Alone
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If you are living in fear, wondering if you’ll ever be free, hear this: you are worthy of safety, peace, and love. Leaving an abusive relationship can feel terrifying, confusing, and impossible, but there are people and organizations ready to help you take the first step toward freedom.
You do not have to face this alone. Help is available, today, right now. Whether you’re planning your exit, seeking emotional support, or just need someone to listen without judgment, there are safe, confidential places to turn.
Resources for Help and Support
📞 National Hotlines
• National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) or text “START” to 88788 — Available 24/7, confidential, with chat option at http://www.thehotline.org
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• National Sexual Assault Hotline: 1-800-656-HOPE (4673) — Run by RAINN, connects callers to local resources.
• StrongHearts Native Helpline: 1-844-7NATIVE (762-8483) — Support for American Indian and Alaska Native individuals.
• DeafLEAD (For the Deaf, DeafBlind, and Hard of Hearing community): Text 321-800-3323 or email help@deaflead.com
🏡 Florida-Based Support
• Sunrise of Pasco County Domestic & Sexual Violence Center: (352) 521-3358 — Offers shelter, counseling, and advocacy in Pasco County.
• Florida Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-500-1119 — Provides statewide connections to shelters, safety planning, and legal resources.
• Peace River Center (Serving Polk, Hardee, and Highlands counties): (863) 413-2700 — 24-hour domestic violence hotline.
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• The Spring of Tampa Bay: (813) 247-7233 — Emergency shelter, outreach, and prevention programs.
If you are in immediate danger, call 911 or go to the nearest police or fire station.