Prevention and Referral Services

WARNING

Your Abuser May Monitor Your Internet Use and May Be Able To View Your Computer Activity. If you have reason to believe that your computer is not secure, you may wish to use a computer in another location to which your abuser does not have access.

The Domestic Violence Program serves as a clearinghouse on domestic violence information. Through community-based partnerships the office administers and coordinates statewide activities related to the prevention and intervention of domestic violence.

The Program regulates, certifies and monitors domestic violence centers across the state of Florida. There are currently 42 certified domestic violence centers. These centers provide crisis intervention and support services to adult victims of domestic violence and their children free of charge, 24 hours a day, 7-days a week.

Mandated services include emergency shelter, 24-hour crisis and information hotline, safety planning, counseling, case management, child assessments, information and referrals, education for community awareness, and training for law enforcement and other professionals. Many centers also provide legal and court advocacy, transportation, relocation assistance, life skills training, transitional housing, daycare, outreach services, rape crisis intervention, and prevention programs in local schools.

The Program provides oversight of state and federal funding for domestic violence services. The Domestic Violence Program administers and manages over $26 million in federal and state funds. All funds allocated by the Legislature are managed by Florida Coalition Against Domestic Violence (FCADV) through a contract with the program office. Additionally, the office has oversight of a number of federal and state grant programs that fund domestic violence services through the criminal justice system as well as traditional direct service providers. The funds are managed through 44 individual contracts and other community and statewide programs for operating domestic violence centers; assisting victims transitioning from welfare to work; enhancing victim services; developing domestic violence units in law enforcement agencies and state attorneys’ offices; improving court responses to domestic violence crimes; providing domestic violence education for law enforcement officers, prosecutors, judges and the general public; and many other activities.