Domestic Violence Resources: Home

You can use the tabs at the top of this guide to find resources available nationwide, as well as Florida-specific state and local resources for help. There is also a tab that links to numerous court forms that can be used in a domestic violence situation.

Domestic Violence is a violent confrontation between family or household members involving physical harm, sexual assault, or fear of physical harm. Family or household members include spouses / former spouses, those in (or formerly in) a dating relationship, adults related by blood or marriage, and those who have a biological or legal parent-child relationship.

The batterer uses acts of violence and a series of behaviors, including intimidation, threats, psychological abuse, and isolation to coerce and to control the other person. The violence may not happen often, but may remain a hidden and constant terrorizing factor. Domestic violence is not only physical and sexual violence but also psychological. Psychological violence means intense and repetitive degradation, creating isolation, and controlling the actions or behaviors of the spouse through intimidation or manipulation to the detriment of the individual.

Domestic violence destroys the home. No one deserves to be abused. Domestic violence can affect anyone. If you are a victim of abuse, you are NEVER to blame – it is NOT your fault. Committing domestic violence is a choice made by the abuser!