Domestic Violence

If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, call 911.

Report Domestic Violence

No one, not even someone you live with, has the right to hit you or threaten you with violence. There is a law to protect you. If you are being physically or sexually abused or threatened by a family or household member you may be a victim of domestic violence. You need not be married to the abuser or related to be protected under the law. Family or household member is defined as any spouse, former spouse, person related by blood or marriage, or any other household member who is or was living the same household as you. In addition, the law also protects you from abuse by a person with whom you have a child in common. There is help! If you feel that you are in immediate danger, dial 911.

InVEST

The Intimate Violence Enhanced Service Team (InVEST) is a unique program designed to provide assistance to individuals identified to be in potentially lethal situations. Based on a community coordinated response model, members of the InVEST team include advocates, deputies, and detectives who work together to create a comprehensive victim safety system, including survivor safety plans and batterer intervention programs. This unique model allows law enforcement and domestic violence centers to work together to identify high risk victims and to possibly reduce the threat of further victimization. The InVEST program is sponsored by a grant through Florida Coalition Against Domestic Violence (FCADV.)

For more information on BSO's T team, please contact the Special Victims Unit at (954) 321-4240, Monday through Friday, 8 am - 6 pm. After hours, contact First Call for Help by dialing 2-1-1 or (954) 537-0211 (available 24 hours).

Protection from Domestic Violence

If you have been abused physically or sexually, or have reason to fear you may become a victim of domestic violence, Florida law enables you to file for a Petition for Injunction for Protection Against Domestic Violence; it explains your situation to the judge and tells the court from whom you need protection. An Injunction For Protection is a court document that states a particular person must not have contact with another person. You are eligible for an Injunction for Protection if you have lived with the abuser at some time and were recently the victim of abuse and/or threatened with abuse by the abuser.

To file for an injunction you must go, in person, to the Broward County Courthouse at 201 SE 6th Street, Ft. Lauderdale. The Clerk of the Court's Domestic Violence Section receptionist can help you properly complete the required forms and statements.

Domestic Violence Resources

Women in Distress of Broward County, Inc.

Website: www.womenindistress.org
Phone: 954-761-1133 / 24 hours a day

The only nationally accredited, state-certified, full service domestic violence center serving Broward County. They offer 24-hour crisis intervention through our 24-Hour Crisis Hotline and emergency shelter, as well as counseling and support for victims and their children. They also provide education and professional trainings on domestic violence and related topics in Broward County schools and in the community.  

Florida Coalition Against Domestic Violence (FCADV)

Website: www.fcadv.org
Phone: 1-800-500-1119 / 24 hours a day

FCADV serves as the professional association for Florida's 42 domestic violence centers. The mission of the Florida Coalition Against Domestic Violence is to work towards ending violence through public awareness, policy development, and support for Florida's domestic violence centers. FCADV operates Florida's toll-free domestic violence hotline (1-800-500-1119), linking callers to the nearest domestic violence center and provides translation assistance when needed.  

Coast to Coast Legal Aid of South Florida

Website: www.coasttocoastlegalaid.org
Phone: 954-736-2400 / 9:00am - 5:00 pm

Coast to Coast Legal Aid of South Florida is a non-profit law firm established in 2003 and funded in part, by the Legal Services Corporation. Our Mission is to improve the lives of low income persons in our community through advocacy, education, representation, and empowerment.