ARE YOU A VICTIM OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE?

If you are the victim of Domestic Violence, Physical, Emotional, Verbal, or Sexual Abuse or Battery, Dating Violence, Human Trafficking, Prostitution under the age of 18, or Lewd or Lascivious Offenses upon or in the presence of someone under the age of 16 or if you have reasonable cause to believe you are in imminent danger of becoming the victim of any act of domestic violence, you have the right to file a Petition for Injunction for Protection against Domestic Violence.

If you are a victim of repeat violence, dating violence, sexual violence, or the parent of any minor child who is living at home and who seeks an injunction for protection against repeat, dating or sexual violence on behalf of the minor child, or you genuinely fear repeat violence, you may file a criminal complaint with the Sheriff's Office.

You also have the right to file a Petition for Injunction for Protection Against Repeat Violence, Dating Violence or Sexual Violence. This may include, but need not be limited to the following provisions:

  • Restrain the abuser from further act of abuse.
  • Direct the abuser to leave your household.
  • Prevent the abuser from entering you residence, school, business, or place of employment. 
  • Award you custody of your minor child or children.
  • Direct the abuser to pay support to you and the minor children if the abuser has a legal obligation to do.
For safety reasons, you may furnish your address to the court in a separate confidential filing when filing the petition for injunction. You are not required to remain in a residence or household where you are a victim of domestic violence. Your address may be different from that of your partner without penalty.

If you have been a victim of domestic violence, if the abuser has sexually or physically abused you, or if you are afraid that you will be hurt, Florida's Domestic Violence Law enables you to work with the court system to help keep you safe.  Our Victim Advocate can assist you in filing an Injunction for Protection.  By filling out a Petition for Injunction for Protection you will be explaining to the judge exactly what type of protection you need and from whom you need protection.

After you have completed the paperwork, the court will determine whether danger of domestic violence exists. The court may order a Temporary Injunction which will have a court date for a full hearing to consider your safety and the safety of your children. injuntionsThe abuser must be served with the injunction before it becomes effective. The injunction will tell the abuser what the Judge requires and when to return to court for a hearing. This hearing will be within 15 days unless the abuser cannot be served.
 
It is important for you to attend the hearing so that you can make sure the judge understands exactly what help you need and why.  If you do not attend, usually the Judge will end the injunction. After the hearing , a final injunction may be granted. The final injunction is valid until dissolved or amended by the court.