Florida’s clerks recognizes domestic violence awareness month
Each year, Florida’s clerks of court help tens of thousands of vulnerable individuals suffering from harmful or threatening interactions apply for protective injunctions. In observance of October as National Domestic Violence Awareness Month, Florida Court Clerks & Comptrollers (FCCC) is recognizing survivors of domestic violence and highlighting services provided by Clerks of Court to assist those facing domestic violence issues.
“As Clerks of Court, we are often the starting point for individuals impacted by domestic violence who decide to take action,” said 2024-25 FCCC President and Orange County Clerk Tiffany Moore Russell. “We see these heartbreaking cases daily and take our role in offering assistance to those affected very seriously. By providing guidance and helping process applications for protective injunctions year-round at no cost to the filer, Clerks of court statewide work to ensure that every survivor receives the protection and care they need to find safety and hope. If you or anyone you know needs assistance with a domestic violence injunction or restraining order, we encourage you to please contact your local clerk’s office for assistance.”
Florida’s clerks of court receive and process domestic violence injunctions, or restraining orders, and these essential services are available at no cost to recipients of the service. Clerks are dedicated to having professionals available at courthouses and annex locations to help with domestic violence injunctions for vulnerable individuals.
Clerks also recently launched of the statewide Hope Card Program. This new program offers individuals who have been issued a final injunction for protection in Florida the opportunity to apply for a free, standardized “Hope Card” that can be used to verify with law enforcement that they are covered by a protective court order.
In 2023, clerks throughout the state processed 82,066 applications for protective injunctions that help those impacted by domestic violence and other vulnerable populations. If you or someone you know is currently experiencing domestic violence, know the important steps you can take:
- If you are in immediate danger, always call 9-1-1 for assistance from law enforcement.
- Contact your local Clerk’s office to start the process of filing for an injunction or restraining order.
- Use the Florida Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-500-1119 for support, advocacy and assistance finding shelter.
