Posted: 10/1/2015
Domestic Violence Awareness Month 2015
by Elizabeth Repass Hollida, Recruitment Specialist: Digital Media
October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Heartland for Children will be bringing you information and resources throughout the month of October on how you can help prevent domestic violence or get help if you are in an abusive relationship. However, if you or someone you know needs help right now, there are many resources available locally to help you today.
Watch the 2015 ABC Action News Taking Action Against Domestic Violence Prime Time Special here.
Domestic violence is the second leading allegation reported to the Florida Abuse Hotline. Family violence impacts everyone from the victim to the household members who witness the event,” said Secretary Mike Carroll. “It’s crucial for us to wrap these families with services so we can end the cycle of abuse.”
Domestic violence is a pattern of behaviors that adults or adolescents use against their intimate partners or former partners to establish power and control. It may include physical abuse, sexual abuse, emotional abuse and economic abuse.
Florida’s 42 certified domestic violence centers provide crisis intervention and support services to adult victims of domestic violence and their children free of charge, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. In the 2014-15 fiscal year, more than 15,397 individuals received emergency shelter at one of Florida’s certified centers.
Anyone can be a victim of domestic violence regardless of age, gender or race. These questions can help determine if you or someone you know may be a victim. Does he or she:
- Isolate you from family and friends?
- Say things to insult you?
- Criticize your parenting skills?
- Take your money?
- Act as the primary decision-maker?
- Prevent you from developing your career?
- Physically harm you or threaten you with weapons?
- Threaten to commit suicide?
- Act like the way he/she treats you is your fault or you are over-exaggerating?
- Threaten to hurt your pets?
If you or someone you know is experiencing any of these signs, call the Domestic Violence Hotline immediately at (800) 500-1119.
For more information on where individuals and families can seek help or crisis services, visit www.myflfamilies.com/domestic-violence.
Domestic Violence Resources (Central Florida)
Florida Domestic Violence Centers
From the Florida Coalition Against Domestic Violence:
Per Florida Statute 39.905, all Florida certified domestic violence centers provide the following core services; emergency shelter, 24-Hour Hotline, advocacy, children’s program, community education, crisis counseling, service management, professional training, safety planning, information and referral. In addition to these core services the centers provide the following; court/legal advocacy, outreach, primary prevention programming, support groups and assist with the relocation assistance application. Each center provides a number of specialized services based on the local community needs.
A complete list of Florida domestic violence centers is available here.
Join the Conversation
To join the global conversation on this important topic, follow and post to social media with the hashtag #DVAM throughout the month of October.
Please comment below with any resources we may have left out of our list, and we will be sure to add them!
Special Thanks
Special thanks to Lissette Campos, ABC Action News, Deana's Educational Theater, Heather's Hope Foundation, the University of South Florida - Tampa, St. Pete and Sarasota-Manatee, and Florida Southern College for your continuous work in taking action agains domestic violence as well as for making this year's performances of the Yellow Dress possible!