Orange County reconvenes Domestic Violence Commission

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — Domestic violence cases have prompted Orange County to reconvene its Domestic Violence Commission.

Channel 9 was there Tuesday for the county's announcement.

A Harbor House study reports 27 people died in Orange County in 2011 from domestic violence.

Now, members of the Domestic Violence Commission hope to save lives by reviewing every aspect of domestic violence prevention, treatment and the criminal justice system.

"As a community, we have seen entirely too many senseless killings, and it's time that we say enough is enough," said Judge Alice Blackwell of the Ninth Circuit Court.

"You know, we look at situations like Sandy Hook and you think, 'How can you predict?'" asked Mayor Teresa Jacobs. "In most of these domestic violence situations, you definitely can see it coming. These cases are preventable."

The commission will gather to begin its work starting Feb. 9. They intend to look at the entire system, including a review of how domestic violence cases are handled in Orange County from the very first 911 call.

One new idea that could save lives goes into effect next month. It will begin with giving ankle monitors to suspects after a court order and a transponder to the victim so they have an early warning if the abuser tried to violate the court order.

"We're trying to get ahead of the curve so people don't have to wait until they're in such danger they have to call 911 and need an armed response to get help," said Carol Wick of Harbor House.

WFTV