Getting Relief From Domestic Violence in Florida

Jurisdiction: 

Area of Law: 

Family

Domestic violence is a particularly pervasive issue because it can go on regularly within the four walls of the home, which is supposed to be a safe haven from all the dangers of the outside world.  If you are a victim of domestic violence in Florida you can get an injunction for protection from domestic violence.

 

Injunction for Protection from Domestic Violence

 

If you have been a victim of domestic violence, you should seek an injunction for protection from domestic violence.  You qualify for an injunction for protection from domestic violence in Florida if you are seeking to prevent a family or household member from committing any criminal offense that will result in injury or death of your person.

 

If you are not dealing with a family member or someone who lives with you – rather, your abuser may be someone you are dating – then there are other remedies for you.  An injunction against repeat violence may be filed against anyone who has committed two acts of violence or stalking against you or a member of your immediate family.  You may file for an injunction against dating violence if you have been or are in danger of being abused by someone with whom you have had a romantic relationship for six months or more.  There is also an option for an injunction against sexual violence if you are a victim of a sexual crime and report it to the police.  The appropriate forms for all of these actions, including an injunction for protection from domestic violence may be found here.

 

In order to file for a petition for an injunction for protection against domestic violence, you must either go to the circuit court of the county where you or your abuser lives, or the county in which the incident occurred.  You can fill out the appropriate forms either before or after arriving at the courthouse.  In order to properly fill these forms out, you will need to know some information about the alleged abuser, such as:  current address and last known employer, date of birth and physical description, any aliases, whether or not you were or are married, any other court cases involving you and your alleged abuser, and any other times you filed for an injunction for protection from domestic violence against the abuser, as well as the results of those cases.  Make sure you wait until you are in front of a clerk to sign the form.

 

If you are granted this order, the alleged abuser will not be allowed to go near you, your children, your relatives, or anyone else who lives with you.  Also, the alleged abuser may not be allowed to have a gun, he or she may be forced to move out of your house, be forced to pay child support, or even be forced stay away from your pets.

 

Finding Domestic Violence Resources

 

The National Domestic Violence Hotline can be reached at 1-800-799-7233 and is operational 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and in more than 100 languages.  It can help you find nearby domestic violence shelters, emergency shelters, legal help, and social service programs.

 

You may also find a list of domestic violence resources in Florida here.