Domestic Violence Can Happen to Anyone

If you or someone you know is in an abusive relationship, here are resources to call for help.

In any life-threatening situation, always call 9-1-1 first!

HOTLINE NUMBERS FOR ASSISTANCE AND SHELTER:

Women in Distress of Broward County - 24-Hour Crisis Hotline: 954-761-1133

SafeSpace Foundation for Miami-Dade County Shelters - 800-500-1119

Miami-Dade State Attorney’s Office Domestic Violence Hotline - 305-547-0140

You can also call 311 in Miami-Dade County and 211 in Broward County to be referred to appropriate support services.

There are many more organizations serving the South Florida area.

The Broward Victims Rights Coalition provides a list of more than 2 dozen agencies that offer support and services for people in, or trying to leave an abusive relationship, here.

Broward Domestic Violence Council

Children’s Services Council of Broward County - Domestic Violence Prevention

The Domestic Violence Prevention Committee works in collaboration with the Abuse and Neglect Committee to develop strategies and resources tied to supporting families affected by family violence

Broward County Clerk of Courts - Domestic Violence Intake

The Domestic Violence Intake unit provides assistance to those affected by domestic, repeat, sexual, dating, and stalking violence who are in need of obtaining an injunction for protection. Injunctions are commonly referred to as “restraining orders”

https://www.browardclerk.org/Divisions/DomesticViolence#GeneralInformation”.

To obtain a Restraining Order, you may eFile your pleadings utilizing the ePortal filing system or appear in person at one of the following Domestic Violence Service Locations, excluding Courthouse Holidays. The decision is made the same day and the Petitioner/Counsel is responsible for obtaining a copy of the ruling along with all associated documents.

In the interest of safety it is suggested that you seek safe shelter throughout this process as your safety is the most important factor.

Miami-Dade Community Action and Human Service Department - Domestic Violence Intake

Victims of domestic violence can get help by accessing services from Miami-Dade County’ residential or non-residential programs.

Miami-Dade County Coordinated Victims Assistance Center 305-285-5900 (Call/Text 24/7) Advocates for Victims/Safespace Hotline - Central 305-693-0232 Advocates for Victims/Safespace Hotline - North 305-758-2546 Advocates for Victims/Safespace Hotline - South 305-245-5011 Inn Transition Program - North305-899-4600 Inn Transition Program - South786-293-3394

Signs of Domestic Violence Abuse

Domestic violence may not look the same in every relationship because every relationship is different. But one thing most abusive relationships have in common is that the abusive partner can take many different actions to exert more power and control over their partners or family members.

Abuse consists of a repetitive pattern of behaviors that are geared toward maintaining power and control over an intimate partner or family members who live together. These are behaviors that physically harm, arouse fear, prevent a partner from making their own choices or force them to behave in ways they do not want.

Find more information about the following topics here:

Warning Signs

Types of Abuse

What to Do if You Think Someone is in an Abusive or Unhealthy Relationship

Miami-Dade County State Attorney’s Office - Domestic Violence Division

Domestic Violence is a pattern of controlling behavior by one person who has, or has had, a personal, intimate, or familial relationship with another person. Domestic Violence may include making verbal or written threats; physical contact, such as slapping, choking, pushing, holding, or kicking; forcing or pressuring sex upon another; or any other types of unwanted physical behavior. Injury is not necessary for a crime of Domestic Violence to occur.

Miami-Dade State Attorney’s Guide for Victims of Domestic Violence or Stalking

Includes information about the following topics that will help someone escape an abusive relationship:

• Creating a Safety Plan
• Finding Shelter
• Seeking an Injunction
• Pro-Bono Legal Assistance

Remember: Love Shouldn’t Hurt

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