Lake County clerk’s office donates supplies in support of Domestic Violence Awareness Month
Lee County clerk office staffers with items collected during October for national Domestic Violence Awareness Month. The items were donated to Haven of Lake & Sumter Counties. The clerk’s office also assists victims obtain a Hope Card.
In observance of October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month, the Lake County Clerk of the Circuit Court & Comptroller’s office gathered supplies for local survivors of domestic abuse.
“Abuse comes in many different forms. It’s not only physical violence, but it can also be sexual violence, threats, or emotional abuse by one intimate partner against another,” said Gary Cooney, Lake County clerk and comptroller.
Collected items included toiletries, bedding and linens, cleaning supplies, diapers, and gift cards for non-perishable food. The supplies were donated to Haven of Lake & Sumter Counties for distribution.
This is the third year the clerk’s office has donated items to Haven to help “those who have fled a horrible situation,” said Cooney.
At the beginning of October, the office also joined a statewide initiative to provide Hope Cards to victims who have a final judgment for an injunction for protection. The Hope Card provides proof of a valid protective order and allows law enforcement and other authorities to identify information related to a case quickly.
Last year, the Lake County clerk’s office processed 1,657 petitions for domestic violence injunctions.
Domestic violence victims in immediate danger are urged to call 9-1-1 for assistance from local law enforcement. For help finding shelter, advocacy, and support, call the Florida Domestic Violence Hotline at (800) 500-1119.
Haven assists victims of domestic violence and sexual violence. For more information, visit their website at www.havenlakesumter.org.
