Crime Info & Support

Relationship Violence

An advocate with the 国产短视频Center for Victim Advocacy is a professional who is trained to respond with compassion and expertise to the victims of crime, violence and abuse. This includes crisis intervention, advocacy and accompaniment, and nonjudgmental support to victims to help them get through the experience and regain control of their lives. Due to the increased risk of danger, victims of dating or domestic violence are encouraged to consult confidentially with a victim advocate for an individualized risk assessment, safety planning, and exploration of options. The advocate will help you pursue any options, as safely as possible. 

DATING VIOLENCE

FL Statute 784.046:

"Dating violence" means violence between individuals who have of have had a continuing and significant relationship of a romantic or intimate nature. The existence of such a relationship shall be determined based on the consideration of the following factors. 

1. A dating relationship must have existed within the past 6 months.

2. The nature of the relationship must have been characterized by the expectation of affection or sexual involvement between the parties; and

3. The frequency and type of interaction between the persons involved in the relationship must have included that the persons have been involved over time and on a continuous basis during the course of the relationship.

DOMESTIC VIOLENCE

FL Statute 741.28: 

"Domestic violence" means any assault, aggravated assault, battery, aggravated battery, sexual assault, sexual battery, stalking, aggravated stalking, kidnapping, false imprisonment, or any criminal offense resulting in physical injury or death of one family or household member by another family or household member.

Warning Signs of An Abuser

 PRESERVING EVIDENCE

In situations of Domestic/Relationship/Dating Violence, preserve evidence as much as possible until it is collected:

  • Leave damage to property or dwelling as is for law enforcement to document
  • Avoid changing or washing clothing that may be torn or contain blood evidence
  • Make sure that bruises and other injuries are photographed by policy, medical caregivers, or, as a last resort, a friend or relative
  • Save communications to or from the offender or witnesses via voicemail, text, social media or email about the incident.

Not sure what to do? Contact the Center for Victim Advocacy 24/7 at (813) 974-5757 to confidentially explore your options.