ORLANDO, Fla. – Harbor House of Central Florida is starting the planning process for a family justice center in Orange County.
In January, the group will launch a study tour to create a facility that brings as many of the resources needed as possible for victims of family violence under one roof.
“By co-locating services, family justice centers create a one-stop shop for survivors and their families,” Harbor House CEO Michelle Sperzel said. “This model is proven to reduce homicides. It’s proven to improve victim safety and enhance collaboration amongst all of our partners.”
The first Family Justice Center was created in San Diego, California in 2002. According to Harbor House, the model has since been identified as a best practice in the field of domestic violence intervention and prevention by the U.S. Department of Justice.
[RELATED: How to find help for domestic violence survivors in Central Florida]
During Tuesday’s announcement, Ninth Judicial District State Attorney Andrew Bain also spoke about a new law designed to protect domestic violence survivors.
“Senate Bill 758 strengthens penalties for misuse of tracking devices and applications,” Bain said. “Making it a third-degree felony to use such devices to monitor others or their property without their consent.”
The Orange County Clerk of Court also launched a program Tuesday to help law enforcement quickly identify if an injunction was filed in a relationship.
“That new tool is what is called the Hope Card. It’s a free wallet-sized card that survivors can use to verify with law enforcement that they are covered by a protective court order.”
As Domestic Violence Awareness Month began Tuesday, Sperzel said the goal is to encourage those experiencing abuse to speak out.
“The more we talk about abuse. The more we name it, it reduces someone’s fear. It reduces someone’s shame and reduces their barriers to coming forward,” Sperzel said.
For details on where to find help if you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, visit https://www.harborhousefl.com/
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