Identifying the Roles of Primary Community Agents

Role of Law Enforcement Officers
Under F.S. 741.29 law enforcement officers have the following responsibilities in responding to domestic violence:
       • To make an arrest if probable cause exists.
       • To advise victims of domestic violence shelters and their services.
       • To give notice of victims’ legal rights and remedies.
       • To make a written report of any allegation of domestic violence.
       • To send a copy of the report to the local domestic violence shelter within 24 hours.

Role of Prosecutors
Under F.S. 741.2901 prosecutors (located in the office of the State Attorney in each judicial circuit) have the following responsibilities:
       • To seek convictions when charges of domestic violence are filed.
       • To proceed with a case even if the victim is unwilling to cooperate.
       • To provide information about the status of prosecution to the victim and other advocates.
       • To seek an order for a batterer’s intervention program.

Role of Victim Assistance Staff in Law Enforcement Agencies or Offices of State Attorneys
Victim assistance staff are often located in Florida’s police, sheriff’s, and state attorney offices. Under F.S. 960 these staff can provide the following assistance to victims of domestic violence:
       • Help victims obtain injunctions or orders for protection.
       • Help victims obtain crime compensation.
       • Help collect evidence through victim interviews, criminal history checks, medical records, etc.
       • Notify victims of hearings, the status of the case, the release of the offender, etc.
       • Accompany victims to court and assist in arranging safe waiting places for the victims in court.
       • Provide other legal assistance and referral services.

Role of the Civil Court
The understood role of the civil court in domestic violence cases is to:
       • Grant temporary orders for protection based upon the victim’s petition.
       • Grant permanent orders for protection based upon the victim’s petition.
       • Hear evidence on violations of orders for protection.
       • Determine custody of children.
       • Order batterer’s intervention for perpetrator.

Role of Certified Domestic Violence Centers
Certified domestic violence centers and shelters seek to:
       • Provide emergency shelters and safe living space for victims.
       • Provide counseling.
       • Offer a 24-hour hotline.
       • Conduct assessments and referrals of resident children.
       • Provide information and referral services to victims.
       • Offer community education and professional training.
       • Provide case management services.
       • Facilitate support groups.

There are 38 certified domestic violence shelters throughout the state of Florida. See the Resources section for a complete listing. If you are unsure of which shelter is nearest to you in Florida, call 1-800-500-1119 for more information. Nationally you may call 1-800-799-7233.

Role of Health Care Providers
Health care providers (physicians, nurses, EMTs, dentists, etc.) are in a unique position to respond to victims of domestic violence. Whether in a hospital, clinic, health department, emergency room, private medical office, or an HMO, health care providers can:
       • Routinely screen for domestic violence in their client populations.
       • Ask direct questions about suspected abuse of their patients.
       • Document findings of abuse in medical records.
       • Assess safety of abuse victims and their children.
       • Review patient options and provide referrals.
       • Report to law enforcement gunshot injuries or life-threatening injuries as required by
          F.S. 790.24.