DCF Works to Prevent Domestic Violence Through Statewide Awareness Events

Contact: Erin Gillespie, Press Secretary, (850) 717-4450

DCF Works to Prevent Domestic Violence Through Statewide Awareness Events
October is National Domestic Violence Awareness Month

TALLAHASSEE—The Department of Children and Families, the Florida Coalition Against Domestic Violence and our partners across the state are recognizing October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month with events across Florida.

DCF’s Office on Domestic Violence Programs works to ensure the safety of victims of domestic violence through our primary partner, the Florida Coalition Against Domestic Violence, whose core mission embraces addressing the needs of victims and families in crisis.

“Our agency is committed to helping end domestic violence,” said Secretary David Wilkins. “Children can only be safe, happy and healthy if they live in a nonviolent home. And every adult deserves to live a life free of fear and pain. We want to raise public awareness to prevent the suffering of children and their families and the lives lost to this devastating crime.”

Last year, there were 111,681 domestic violence incidents reported in Florida alone. Even more tragically, 192 individuals died as a result of domestic violence crimes, representing almost 20 percent of homicides in this state. In that same time, domestic violence shelters across the state provided a safe place to 15,997 women, men and children fleeing from domestic violence situations in their homes.

“Domestic Violence Awareness Month is a time that we as a state and nation grieve together for those who have lost their lives as a result of domestic violence,” said Tiffany Carr, CEO of the Florida Coalition Against Domestic Violence. “It’s also a time to celebrate and honor those who have survived acts of violence and have found safety and hope, and to recognize all who work daily to keep survivors and their children safe. During October, we should all reaffirm our commitment to ending the violence.”

For more information about domestic violence programs, please visit www.fcadv.org or www.myflfamilies.com/service-programs/domestic-violence. To read one domestic violence victim’s story of survival, visit our blog at http://blog.myflfamilies.com/2012/10/she-finally-became-a-participant-in-her-own-life. If you or someone you know is the victim of domestic violence, call the Florida Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-500-1119 or the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233.

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