The Florida Coalition Against Domestic Violence joined with several state officials in Panama City Thursday for the launch of a new family safety initiative. As Sascha Cordner reports, the aim is to reduce domestic violence and child abuse in several North Florida counties.
It’s called the “Northwest Florida Regional Domestic Violence and Child Welfare Initiative.” And, Leisa Wiseman with the Florida Coalition Against Domestic Violence says it’s a collaborative effort that will help to prevent domestic violence and protect children in Bay, Gulf, and Calhoun Counties.
“The Salvation Army Domestic Violence and Rape Crisis Program will staff two advocates to coordinate services among local agencies. One advocate will serve as the liaison between the criminal and civil courts in the three-county area and the other will be co-located with DCF Child Protective Investigative Unit in Bay County.”
The advocates will help coordinate efforts to enhance the safety of abused victims as well as hold abusive parents more accountable. Among the officials present for Thursday’s launch were Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi and Department of Children and Families Secretary David Wilkins.
