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GOVERNOR CRIST PROCLAIMS OCTOBER DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AWARENESS MONTH

October 1, 2008

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GOVERNOR’S PRESS OFFICE
(850) 488-5394

TALLAHASSEE – Governor Charlie Crist today proclaimed October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month. He was joined for the announcement by Secretary George Sheldon of the Department of Children and Families; Tiffany Carr, president/CEO of the Florida Coalition Against Domestic Violence; and Pamela Tope, president of the Florida region of Verizon. Governor Crist honored two domestic violence programs for their excellence, and was recognized for his efforts to prevent domestic violence by Verizon, which presented the Governor its “Hopeline Hero Award.”

“Today, we stand committed to reducing the crime of domestic violence within Florida’s families and communities,” Governor Crist said. “It is vital to work together to prevent domestic violence through our criminal justice system, our human service providers and domestic violence advocates. I applaud the efforts of individuals throughout our communities who share the common vision of a safer tomorrow for Florida’s families.”

During Fiscal Year 2007-08, the 42 certified domestic violence centers throughout Florida performed provided emergency shelter to more than 14,500 individuals and provided in-person counseling to more than 60,000 individuals. Nearly 150,000 individuals called local domestic violence hotlines.

Governor Crist was joined by Tiffany Carr in presenting his Promote Peace, Prevent Domestic Violence Annual Award to two domestic violence prevention and education programs, whose successful efforts are a role model for the state. Penny Morrill accepted the award on behalf of Sunrise of Pasco County, which has created an innovative prevention project for schools. Carol Wick accepted the award on behalf of Harbor House of Central Florida, which has developed a program called “Coaching Boys Into Men” that engages them in efforts to end domestic violence.

“Raising awareness is an essential part of the Governor’s focus on prevention, and we are committed to that vision,” said Secretary Sheldon. “Every day we work with the Coalition and the 42 certified domestic violence centers throughout Florida to help victims and their families rebuild their lives.”

“Governor Crist has led the nation in his commitment to prevent domestic violence and is the first Governor in Florida’s history to provide funding for the prevention of domestic violence in Florida’s communities. Historically, we have focused on intervention and because of Governor Crist’s commitment, we are able to turn our energies to preventing domestic violence incidents and homicides,” said Tiffany Carr President and CEO of Florida Coalition Against Domestic Violence.

Earlier this year, Governor Charlie Crist signed several bills that reinforce Florida’s public safety laws and criminal justice system by strengthening penalties for those who commit domestic violence. House Bill 313, Relating to Dating Violence – The Barwick-Ruschak Act – provides that victims of dating violence be notified of their legal rights and remedies. The law is named after Tiffany Barwick and Michael Ruschak, two University of Central Florida students who were killed in September 2007. Senate Bill 622, Relating to Orders of No Contact with Crime Victim, expands the list of violent offenses requiring a court to issue a no-contact order with the victim. Current law applies only to victims of sexual crimes. House Bill 7077, relating to Child Protection, clarifies the responsibilities of the Department of Children and Families and law enforcement agencies in cases where children become missing while in the care of the department and specifically authorizes courts to enter injunctions relating to domestic violence issues in certain child welfare cases to prevent an act of child abuse or protect the child from domestic violence.

Governor Crist has a longstanding record of supporting domestic violence prevention efforts. As Attorney General, Charlie Crist established the Cut Out Domestic Violence program with the help of the Florida Coalition Against Domestic Violence. The program trains licensed hair stylists, cosmetologists and nail technicians to identify the signs of domestic violence, listen to victims and connect them with appropriate resources and authorities. Since taking office, Governor Crist has signed budgets setting aside nearly one million dollars each year to domestic violence prevention and education. These efforts to reduce needless violence and abuse are vital to ensure the protection of all Floridians.

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PROCLAMATION

DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AWARENESS MONTH

WHEREAS, domestic violence is a pattern of behavior that threatens the lives of many Floridians through fear, intimidation, and the use of violence; and

WHEREAS, the under-reporting of domestic violence hinders victims from receiving services and exposes them to future victimization; and

WHEREAS, domestic violence homicide is typically the culmination of an escalating pattern of abuse; and

WHEREAS, domestic violence related homicide increased 15 percent in 2007 from 164 to 189 deaths in Florida; and

WHEREAS, children who witness violence in the home are at a greater risk for emotional and behavioral problems and are at a higher risk for becoming victims and perpetrators of domestic violence; and

WHEREAS, Florida’s 42 certified domestic violence centers provide a vast array of intervention and prevention services aimed to support victims, and provide educational opportunities for professionals who work with victims in our communities; and

WHEREAS, Florida remains committed to providing its community partners every available means of support to enhance emergency services, counseling and educational opportunities for domestic violence victims and their children; and

WHEREAS, Florida remains committed to fight domestic violence by both passing legislation to prevent domestic violence and punish offenders, and appropriating over $28 million for domestic violence programs;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Charlie Crist, Governor of the State of Florida, do hereby extend greetings and best wishes to all observing October 2008 as Domestic Violence Awareness Month.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the Great Seal of the State of Florida, to be affixed at Tallahassee the Capital, this 1st day of October in the year two thousand eight.

Governor