(1) The Legislature recognizes that the perpetration of violence by persons against their intimate partners, spouses, ex-spouses, or those with whom they share a child in common poses a significant public health threat that has adverse physical, emotional, and financial impacts on families and communities in this state. The Legislature further finds that it is critical that victims of domestic violence and their dependents have access to safe emergency shelter, advocacy, and crisis intervention services to assist them with the resources necessary to be safe and live free of violence.
(2) To ensure statewide consistency in the provision of confidential, comprehensive, and effective services to victims of domestic violence and their families, the Department of Children and Families shall certify and monitor domestic violence centers. The department and certified domestic violence centers shall serve as partners and together provide a coordinated response to address victim safety, hold batterers accountable, and prevent future violence in this state.
History.—s. 1, ch. 78-281; s. 1, ch. 84-343; s. 113, ch. 98-403; s. 1, ch. 2021-152.
Note.—Former s. 409.601; s. 415.601.
Structure Florida Statutes
Chapter 39 - Proceedings Relating to Children
Part XII - Domestic Violence (Ss. 39.901-39.908)
39.901 - Domestic violence centers; legislative findings; requirements.
39.903 - Duties and functions of the department with respect to domestic violence.
39.904 - Report to the Legislature on the status of domestic violence cases.
39.905 - Domestic violence centers.
39.9055 - Certified domestic violence centers; capital improvement grant program.
39.9057 - Unlawful disclosure of certified domestic violence center location; penalties.
39.906 - Referral to centers and notice of rights.
39.908 - Confidentiality of information received by department or domestic violence center.