Kate A. Johnson.
In the wake of a tragic domestic violence case that shook Tamarac earlier this year, licensed mental health counselor Dr. Kate A. Johnson launched a workshop aimed at raising awareness, empowering victims, and calling for systemic change.
The presentation encouraged open dialogue addressing the broad spectrum of abuse and its detrimental consequences without hasty intervention. Throughout the hour, the class reviewed methods to recognize signs of distress, how to prevent escalation, and provided resources to those who may be seeking help.
The workshop dissected the different psychological and emotional aspects of abuse as well as its various types. Johnson used the time to advocate for more inclusive and empowering language when addressing victims of abuse.
She also pinpointed the initial acts of coercive control in relationships and the need for improvement in how the legal system responds to domestic violence. Intended changes include faster processing of restraining orders and more aggressive enforcement for the victim’s safety after involving authorities.
Johnson also shared her personal experience with relationship violence, providing the audience with her distinctive viewpoints as both a victim and a mental health professional. Johnson shared the severity of her situation and how difficult it is to leave these situations safely, let alone do so alone.
“As someone who has experienced over 25 years of abuse in marriage, I have a unique perspective as a therapist and as someone who’s experienced it,” Johnson said, adding that it was essential to understand the issues that cause people to get stuck in these relationships, and how it’s so difficult to get out.
The next workshop is being held on Monday, June 30, at 6:00 p.m. at the Tamarac Community Center. Registration for the free seminar is still open to those interested in attending.
City commissioners Krystal Patterson and Marlon Bolton were among the elected officials in attendance supporting the cause.
Commissioner Patterson personally commended the cultivation of these workshops, stating that facilitating an environment where Tamarac residents can discuss the dangers of domestic violence is considerably delayed.
“I think that it’s long overdue,” Patterson reiterated. I hope that as we continue to do these workshops, we can see more people and get more engagement. Obviously, it’s an important matter, and we want to get as much information out as possible.”
Also present was Christopher Palamara, Interim Captain of Broward County Sheriff’s Office Tamarac District, who emphasized the importance of community collaboration efforts in changing the conversation surrounding violent situations.
Palamara stressed the importance of reinvigorating the legal process of how Tamarac handles domestic violence cases, especially after the recent triple homicide of Mary Gingles, her father, and his neighbor.
“Obviously, with what happened in February, it’s really important that we keep bringing this to the forefront,” Palamara emphasized. “To talk about, destigmatize, and facilitate people to step forward, address it, and feel like they’re being empowered to address the problems they’re facing.”
Mary Gingles had contacted BSO 14 times in the weeks leading up to the fatal attacks. She continuously asked authorities for help in fear of her estranged husband Nathan Gingles’ concerning behavior. Law enforcement’s mishandling of providing proper safety measures for the victim resulted in the demotion of former Captain Jeremiah Cooper and the suspension of eight BSO deputies in connection with the case.
Palamara mentioned ongoing internal reviews happening within BSO following the recent tragedy to improve the police department’s response in cases of domestic violence.
“With what happened recently, we, BSO, have done some internal soul searching at the district level,” Palamara asserted.
He also reiterated the authorities’ role in providing readily available resources to individuals who call for immediate reassurance and support, as well as providing them with information about Women in Distress or how to file a restraining order.
“If those people still need help, they can follow up with a non-emergency number, asking follow-up questions about how to facilitate their case. We’re here always to be that resource; we’ll be happy to do it. We’re trying to fine-tune our skill set to provide even better.”
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