Update: Former NFL player Zac Stacy was arrested Thursday night in Orange County, Florida, on charges of aggravated battery with great bodily harm, and criminal mischief.
A former NFL player is on the run Thursday after a disturbing video surfaced showing a violent attack on his ex-girlfriend and it was all done in front of their baby.
WINK News wants to warn you that portions of the above video you’re are difficult to watch and contain scenes of domestic violence that may be upsetting for some viewers.
The CEO of the Shelter for Abused Women and Children. Linda Oberhaus, said the video took her breath away. She says the video could trigger a traumatic response for some.
Oberhaus said domestic violence can often happen behind closed doors so most people don’t really know the level to which it can escalate.
In the 44 second video, you can see former NFL player, Zac Stacy, violently attacking his ex-girlfriend in her home near Orlando.
He’s on the run and there is a warrant out for his arrest.
His ex-girlfriend now has this message. “I just want to say thank you to everyone who has continued to support me in this ordeal. He’s still not apprehended. I don’t know why. His friends are hiding him.”
Oberhaus said violence like this does happen and often times we don’t know it. “The kinds of things that we saw on that video, you wouldn’t… People wouldn’t typically see that out in public. That usually happens behind closed doors.”
But, she said, there are warning signs you can watch out for.
“Jealousy, possessiveness, accusing your partner of, you know, infidelity, you know, tracking that person’s spending, monitoring where they’re going, all those kinds of things.”
Oberhaus said this kind of violence doesn’t just happen overnight. “It escalates over time. So, chances are she has been abused in the past. The fact that you saw her so calm on the video probably has something to do with her protective nature. You know, she’s a mom. There’s a baby in the house. She’s trying to deescalate the situation.”
Police in central Florida police said Zac Stacy likely left the state.
Watch the WINK News Domestic Violence Special below
Resources for victims of domestic violence in Southwest Florida
On Wednesday at 10 a.m. on CW, WINK News is airing a one-hour special on domestic violence.
Many think of domestic violence as physical hitting with potential signs of bruising of a victim, but it can also include verbal, mental, financial, and other types of abuse.
It can also impact people of all ages and of any sex.
During the hour we’ll tell the stories of survivors, red flags to look out for in a relationship, and provide resources.
If you can’t watch it live, check back here for the full special after it airs.
Resources
- National Network to End Domestic Violence: Financial Abuse
- Consider applying for a micro-loan with NNEDV’s Independence Project to begin rebuilding your credit score.
- Domestic violence myths
- Domestic Violence Centers map
Charlotte County
Center for Abuse and Rape Emergencies
Phone: 941-639-5499
Hotline: 941-627-6000
SMS Text: 941-449-8534
TDD: 941-627-6000
Website: carefl.org
Chat: resourceconnect.com
Collier County
The Shelter for Abused Women & Children
Phone: 239-775-3862
Hotline: 239-775-1101
TDD: 239-775-4265
Website: naplesshelter.org
DeSoto County
Safe Place and Rape Crisis Center
Phone: 941-365-0208
Hotline: 941-365-1976
TDD: 941-365-1976
Website: sparcc.net
Glades County
Abuse Counseling and Treatment
Phone: 239-939-2553
Hotline: 239-939-3112
TDD: 239-939-3112
Website: actabuse.com
Hendry County
Abuse Counseling and Treatment
Phone: 239-939-2553
Hotline: 239-939-3112
TDD: 239-939-3112
Website: actabuse.com
Lee County
Abuse Counseling and Treatment
Phone: 239-939-2553
Hotline: 239-939-3112
TDD: 239-939-3112
Website: actabuse.com
Below are mental health resources available to Southwest Floridians at the national and local levels.
National Suicide Prevention Hotline
1-800-273-8255
suicidepreventionlifeline.org
David Lawrence Center (Collier County)
(239)455-8500
davidlawrencecenter.org
SalusCare (Lee County)
(239)275-4242
saluscareflorida.org
National Alliance on Mental Illness, Collier County
namicollier.org
National Alliance on Mental Illness, Lee, Charlotte, Hendry Counties
namilee.org
The National Alliance for Caregiving offers a free handbook
Circle of Care: A Guidebook for Mental Health Caregivers
Collier County Mental Health Court
ca.cjis20.org/home/collier
Lee County Mental Health Court
ca.cjis20.org/home/lee
Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance
convio.net
Local Support Groups: Anxiety and Depression Association of America
adaa.org
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (Mental Health and Addiction Insurance Help)
hhs.gov/programs/topic-sites/mental-health-parity
Local veterans resource: Home Base SWFL
https://homebase.org/home-base-southwest-florida/