TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WCTV) – Two Tallahassee groups are getting federal funding to help stop domestic and sexual violence.
The U.S. Department of Justice awarded the Florida Partnership to End Domestic Violence more than $106,000 this year.
Interim CEO Tanesha McDonald said the money pays to train teams, prosecutors and advocates who respond directly to domestic violence calls.
“The incidents of domestic violence are increasing as long as there is a need for survivors to seek safety. We have responsibility,” McDonald said.
According to Florida Health Charts, that need is clear right here in Tallahassee.
Leon County’s domestic violence offense rate last year was 298.8 per 100,000 people, slightly higher than the statewide rate.
Madison County had the highest rate in the Big Bend, while Gadsden County had the lowest.
The Florida Council Against Sexual Violence also received over $200,030.
Executive director Jennifer Dritt said the grant will help make resources more accessible, including translations and materials for survivors who have hearing challenges or physical disabilities.
“We would miss, it would be really hard for us to do some of the in-community work that we do, even if it’s not the most funding we get, it’s the most critical funding we get,” Dritt said.
Both leaders said the best thing the community can do right now goes beyond donating money.
“Talk about it. Domestic violence still exists. It’s going to take all of us as a society to commit to safe families and safe communities,” McDonald said.
If you or someone you know needs help, Florida’s Domestic Violence Hotline is available 24/7 at 1-800-500-1119. You can also reach the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE.
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