TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WCTV) – Two Tallahassee groups are getting federal funding to help stop domestic and sexual violence. <\/p>\n
The U.S. Department of Justice awarded the Florida Partnership to End Domestic Violence<\/a> more than $106,000 this year. <\/p>\n Interim CEO Tanesha McDonald said the money pays to train teams, prosecutors and advocates who respond directly to domestic violence calls. <\/p>\n \u201cThe incidents of domestic violence are increasing as long as there is a need for survivors to seek safety. We have responsibility,\u201d McDonald said. <\/p>\n According to Florida Health Charts, that need is clear right here in Tallahassee. <\/p>\n Leon County\u2019s domestic violence offense rate last year was 298.8 per 100,000 people, slightly higher than the statewide rate. <\/p>\n Madison County had the highest rate in the Big Bend, while Gadsden County had the lowest. <\/p>\n The Florida Council Against Sexual Violence <\/a>also received over $200,030. <\/p>\n 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. <\/p>\n \u201cWe would miss, it would be really hard for us to do some of the in-community work that we do, even if it\u2019s not the most funding we get, it\u2019s the most critical funding we get,\u201d Dritt said. <\/p>\n Both leaders said the best thing the community can do right now goes beyond donating money.<\/p>\n \u201cTalk about it. Domestic violence still exists. It\u2019s going to take all of us as a society to commit to safe families and safe communities,\u201d McDonald said. <\/p>\n If you or someone you know needs help, Florida\u2019s Domestic Violence Hotline<\/a> is available 24\/7 at 1-800-500-1119. You can also reach the National Domestic Violence Hotline <\/a>at 1-800-799-SAFE.<\/p>\n To keep up with the latest news as it develops, follow WCTV on Facebook<\/a>, Instagram<\/a>, YouTube<\/a>, Nextdoor<\/a> <\/a>and X<\/a> (Twitter<\/a>).<\/p>\n Have a news tip or see an error? Write to us here<\/a>. Please include the article\u2019s headline in your message.<\/p>\n Be the first to see all the biggest headlines by downloading the WCTV News app. Click here<\/a> to get started.<\/p>\n Copyright 2026 WCTV. All rights reserved.<\/p>\n