Domestic Violence Protections Bill Passes First Committee

Tallahassee, FL – A bill looking to strengthen protections for domestic violence victims passes it’s first hurdle and makes it through a state House committee. House Bill 905, filed by State Representative Elizabeth Fetterhoff (R-DeLand), passed through the Civil Justice & Property Rights Subcommittee and will now go before the Justice Appropriations Subcommittee; it’s unclear when that committee is set to meet next. The bill, also sponsored by a number of state representatives, seeks to speed up the transfer of domestic violence injunctions, as the process currently takes days to transfer between counties/cities. According to Fetterhoff, the problem most likely stems from smaller agencies requiring the injunctions to be mailed, rather than sent through a secure email; which is what the bill seeks to change. “The decision to leave an abusive relationship is often a dangerous one that is not made easily. When a victim makes those steps, the process should not be delayed by outdated processes endangering their life,” said Fetterhoff in a release. A companion bill, SB 654, was filed by Senator Janet Cruz (D-Tampa). Around 83,000 injunctions filed statewide annually between 2016 to 2019. In 2019, over 105,000 crimes of domestic violence were reported to Florida law enforcement agencies resulting in just over 66,000 arrests.  Between July 1, 2017 and June 30, 2018, the Florida Domestic Violence Hotline received almost 30,000 calls, where 70 percent of callers sought help directly related to violence related to their partners, family, or some kind of sexual violence, or stalking. If you are experiencing domestic violence and are in need of help, know that there is always help. Visit MyBeaconCenter.com for information on sheltering and support services. You can also visit the DCF Domestic Violence Hotline webpage to find a list of resources close to you, or call them at 1-800-500-1119.