Ending Abuse—Improving Lives - Florida Department of Children ...

Community Education and Public AwarenessOne of the most important roles of the DomesticViolence Program Office is to coordinate with theGovernor’s Office and the Florida Coalition AgainstDomestic Violence to ensure a clear message is conveyedto the citizens of Florida that domestic violenceis a serious crime that is no is longer tolerated in oursociety. By providing the community with informationand participating in public awareness campaigns, thedomestic violence program exhibits leadership thatdefines opportunity for social change, proposes appropriatelegislative initiatives and develops communitypartnerships. Over the past eight years, Governor Bushhas reached out to the Legislature and the departmentthrough his encouragement andsupport of several initiatives thathave successfully contributed toFlorida’s commendable educationalprograms aimed at endingdomestic violence. Throughthese efforts, Florida has becomea national frontrunner known forinnovative campaigns that createa state of public awarenessand strong community involvement.The following programshighlight the department’s effortsto increase Floridians knowledge and participation inattaining a Violence Free Florida!The Domestic Violence Program Office is responsible fordeveloping and implementing:DV DigestThe DV Digest is an electronic newsletter highlightingFlorida’s domestic violence initiatives, activities, andachievements. The newsletter is published twice per yearand is emailed to more than 1500 people. It is also postedon the Internet and can be found at: http://www.dcf.state.fl.us/domesticviolenceGovernor’s Peace at Home: Stopping DomesticViolence AwardsApril 24, 2006 marked the 12 th Annual Governor’s Peaceat Home Awards ceremony held at the Capitol in Tallahassee.Each year during National Crime Victims’ Weekthe Governor’s office in conjunction with the Departmentof Children and Families honors those individualsthat excel in helping women and children who areFlorida has become anational frontrunner knownfor innovative campaignsthat create a state of publicawareness and strongcommunity involvement.victims of domestic violence. The theme “Victims’ Rights:Strength in Unity” highlighted this year’s event. TheDepartment of Children and Families Secretary LucyHadi presided at this year’s awards ceremony, whichincluded a reception provided by the Florida Network ofVictim Witness Services (FNVWS). Secretary Hadi spoketo a crowd of nearly 100 guests who assembled at theCapitol to honor this year’s winners.Lt. Governor Toni Jennings, First Lady Columba Bush,and Tiffany Carr, Executive Director of the Florida CoalitionAgainst Domestic Violence attended the ceremony.During her remarks, Lt. Governor Jennings enthusiasticallyspoke of the tremendousstrides that Florida has accomplishedunder the leadership ofGovernor Bush. Throughout theirtenure, Governor Bush and Lt.Governor Jennings have remainedsteadfastly committed to ensuringthat domestic violence has noplace in Florida.Several exhibits were on displayat the event, including the “emptytable” sponsored by Refuge Houseand the “Silent Witness” sponsored by FNVWS.This year’s winners exemplify the types of individualsand organizations that have established a tradition ofexcellence in the service of victims of domestic violence.Recipients of this year’s awards come from an array ofdiverse programs aimed at assisting women and theirchildren who have been victimized by domestic violence.This year’s award recipients are:Children Services: Barry Krischer, State Attorney for the15 th Judicial Circuit, West Palm Beach, Florida. Mr. Krischeris one of the strongest advocates in his community for victimsof domestic violence, especially the children who areconfronted with and are witnesses to their parents’ abuse.Mr. Krischer goes above and beyond what is expected inhis normal scope of work when it comes to the issue ofdomestic violence.Survivor Support: Domestic Abuse Council, Inc., a fullservice,certified domestic violence center has been atthe forefront of domestic violence since its inception in1979, providing emergency shelter to 12,726 women andDomestic Violence Annual Report 2005-200641