Prevention and Referral Services
Office of Domestic Violence Program
Grant Programs
The Office of Domestic Violence is responsible for administering several federal and state grant programs. Community and statewide programs receive grant funds to operate domestic violence centers; assist victims transitioning from welfare to work; enhance victim services; provide domestic violence education for law enforcement officers, prosecutors, judges and the general public; and many other life-saving activities.
Current grant providers:
Access the grant programs reporting forms
Access Recovery Act grant Programs reporting forms
Family Violence Prevention and Services Act
The Family Violence Prevention and Services Act (FVPSA) allots funds to states based on a formula, for the purpose of assisting in the prevention of family violence and the provision of immediate shelter and related assistance for victims of family violence and their dependents. Florida's allotment is allocated by the Legislature to Florida's certified domestic violence centers in order to provide emergency shelter, counseling, information and referral, twenty-four hour hotline, case management, child assessment, community education and professional training services to domestic violence victims and the public at large. During FY 2005-2006 the department received $3,888,144 from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, which provides an integral part of each certified domestic violence center's budget. A small percentage goes to support the training and technical assistance efforts of the Florida Coalition Against Domestic Violence.
Capital Improvement Program
The purpose of the program is to provide grants to certified domestic violence centers in Florida to construct, repair, improve or upgrade systems, facilities or equipment. For more information, please visit: Past Capital Improvement Grant Awards
STOP Violence Against Women Grant
The STOP (Services, Training, Officers, and Prosecutors) Violence Against Women Formula Grant Program encourages the development and implementation of effective, victim-centered law enforcement, prosecution, and court strategies to address violent crimes against women and the development and enhancement of victim services in cases involving violent crimes against women. It envisions a partnership among law enforcement, prosecution, courts, and victim services organizations to enhance victim safety and hold offenders accountable for their crimes against women. Communities, state, and local programs use STOP funds for the training of law enforcement officers and prosecutors to more effectively identify and respond to domestic violence, sexual assault, dating violence, and stalking; to develop domestic violence units in police departments and prosecutors' offices; to enhance victim services; and to improve court responses to these crimes. Each year's grant award must allocate at least 25 percent to police, at least 25 percent to prosecution, at least five percent to state and local courts including juvenile courts, and at least 30 percent to nonprofit, nongovernmental victim services providers. This is federal regulation that applies to the states. The state may not redistribute or transfer these allocations to another area. At its' discretion, the state uses the remainder of the funds to address the statutory program purposes described previously.
The department received $5,165,183 during FY 2007 that, in turn, it awarded sub-grants to local programs. The programs include local police and sheriff departments, prosecutors, victim services agencies and the Florida Supreme Court.
You may email the Department at: domesticviolence@dcf.state.fl.us if you have any questions relating to grants.
TANF Domestic Violence Diversion Program
The Federal Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996 provided states the option of developing a state program to address issues of domestic violence for recipients of the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program. In recognition of the federal option, the Florida Legislature created the Domestic Violence Diversion Program to provide support services to victims who are unable to participate temporarily in training or work requirements due to safety considerations or the residual effects of the violence. (See Chapter 414, F.S.) Florida's certified domestic violence centers play a pivotal role in providing safety and support to these TANF clients.
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services provides the funds to the Department.