Domestic Violence Frequently Asked Questions

I need to get an injunction. What do I do?
If you need to get an injunction against someone, please contact an attorney, or the clerk’s office in your jurisdiction. The Office of Family Courts cannot provide legal advice. However, to inform petitioners about the injunction process, the OFC has created a brochure for petitioners that discusses many important issues. Additionally, the OFC has produced three videos that discuss the injunction process, what to expect at a domestic violence injunction hearing, and how to manage remote hearings. These videos can provide additional information about what to expect while involved in the domestic violence process, and include a checklist for how to prepare for a hearing.

I just got served a temporary injunction and/or notice of hearing. What do I do?
If you have been served with a notice of an injunction hearing, please contact an attorney, or the clerk’s office in your jurisdiction. The Office of Family Courts cannot provide legal advice. However, to inform respondents (people who have received a notice of injunction hearing) about the injunction process, the OFC has created a brochure for respondents that discusses many important issues. Additionally, the OFC has produced three videos that discuss the injunction process, what to expect at a domestic violence injunction hearing, and how to manage remote hearings. These videos can provide additional information about what to expect while involved in the domestic violence process.

I am a judge assigned to hear interpersonal violence matters. What resources are available to me?
If you have recently been assigned to the domestic violence bench, or will be a duty judge who may encounter petitions for injunctions, the Office of Family Courts has created a comprehensive Domestic Violence Benchbook to provide in-depth information about the many issues that may be present in a domestic violence case. Additionally, the OFC has created a virtual court program, designed to simulate a DV case and take the user through every step of the process, from reviewing the petition to ruling on enforcement issues. This program has been approved for CJE, CLE, and CME credits. The OFC also has produced quick reference guides and injunction checklists for further information about the domestic violence process. Finally, OFC has also created a comprehensive list of webinars and other training materials that delve into specific topics, and a resource library with links to more information, articles, documents, and training materials.

I want to learn more about domestic violence statistics. Where should I look?
For more information about domestic violence statistics, please review the trial court statistics webpage, provided by Court Services. To review domestic violence and repeat violence statistics, please select the “Family Court” button. You can review the data by circuit, county, or statewide.

I need interpersonal violence (domestic violence, stalking, dating violence, and sexual violence) forms. Where do I go to get them?
The Office of State Courts Administrator has forms that pertain to petitioners and respondents. The forms may be accessed directly on flcourts.gov. Petitioners may also want to use the Do-It-Yourself program that will ask a series of questions and then populate the forms for the user and walk the petitioner through the filing process. The OFC does not record or save any of the information inputted into the form.

Where can I find books for children and young adults about domestic violence?
Below is a list of helpful books on domestic violence, especially for children and young adults. Your local library may have them and/or others.

For Children:

• Something is Wrong at My House, by Diane Davis; Parenting Press. (2010)
• Mommy's Black Eye, by William George Bentrim; CreateSpace. (2009)
• Squeaky Speaks, A Coloring & Activity Book for Children Surviving Domestic Violence, by Dr. Doris Forte'; Book Cause        Publishing. (2008)
• Living with My Family: A Growth and Recovery Workbook for Children, by Wendy Deaton, M.A. and Kendall Johnson, Ph D.; Hunter House Inc. (2002)
• The Words Hurt, by Chris Loftis; New Horizon Press. (1997)
• A Safe Place, by Maxine Trotter; Albert Whitman and Co. (1997)
• Grayson’s Home, by Genna Green; Tate Publishing. (2014)
• A Terrible Thing Happened, by Margaret Holmes and Cary Pillo; Magination Press. (2000)
• Some Days He Growled, by Nicole Ostrowski; Waterlily Publishers. (2022)
• I Said No, by Kimberly King; Boulden Publishing. (2008, 2020)

For Teens:

• In Love and In Danger: A Teens Guide to Breaking Free of Abusive Relationships, by Barrie Levy; Seattle, WA: Seal Press. (2006)
• Making the Peace, by Paul Kivel and Allan Creighton; Hunter House. (2002)
• Tornado Warning, by Elin Stebbins Waldal; Sound Beach Pub. (2011)
• Teens and Abusive Relationships: Dating Violence, by Barbara Stuart; CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform. (2011)

For Parents:

• Ten Talks Parents Must Have With Their Children About Violence, by Dominic Cappello; Hyperion Press. (2000)
• Keeping Kids Safe: A Roadmap for Parents, Teachers & Others, by Gloria Masters; Published by Gloria Masters. (2023)

Disclaimer: The list above is provided for informational purposes only. The Florida Institute on Interpersonal Violence and the Florida Supreme Court do not endorse any of the publications listed.