The Domestic Violence Coordinator supervises the Domestic Violence Division and the Domestic Violence Coordination staff. The Coordinator acts as liaison for Court Administration, the Judiciary, the Domestic Violence Council and other community service providers. The Coordinator remains abreast of any changes in the state-of-the-art best practices as it relates to service delivery and coordination of services. The Coordinator assists with training court program staff and the community on topics relevant to domestic violence.
The Domestic Violence Case Coordination Unit is responsible for the injunction cases in the Family Division only. The cases are reviewed and prepared for hearing. Hearing information is provided to petitioners and respondents. Referrals are provided upon request of the judge or either party.
Related Administrative Orders
None.
Services
The following services are provided:
- Information and referral
- Domestic Violence Resource Guide
- Safety Plan
- Toll-Free hotline Telephone Numbers
- Training for court staff and community
- The Domestic Violence Coordinator will provide training, when possible, on topics related to domestic violence.
- Case Management
- Review cases prior to injunction hearing
- Cross reference companion cases
- Verify service of petition was executed
- Screen for warrants
- Assist with the completion of child support guidelines
- Explaining the hearing process and outcome to both parties
- Make appropriate referrals to Batterer Intervention Programs, Social Services, and other programs
- Coordinate services with Palm Beach County Legal Aid and Victim Services
- Monitor court orders for compliance
- Coordinate with State Attorney's Office for violations of injunctions
Cost of Services
There is no cost to the public associated with this program.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is domestic violence?
There are two definitions for domestic violence, Legal and Social:
- Legal Definition: Florida Statute §741.30 - Domestic Violence: Domestic Violence means any assault, aggravated assault, battery, aggravated battery, sexual assault, sexual battery, stalking, aggravated stalking, kidnapping, false imprisonment, or any criminal offense resulting in physical injury or death of one family or household member by another who is or was residing in the same single dwelling unit. Your relationship with the person whom the injunction is being filed against must be that of:
- a spouse
- an ex-spouse
- a relative by blood or marriage who currently lives with you or who lived with you in the past
- anyone who lives or has lived with you in the same dwelling as a family unit, or
- anyone with whom you have had a child, with or without having lived together
- Social Definition: Domestic violence occurs when one intimate partner uses physical violence, coercion, threats, intimidation, isolation, and/or emotional, sexual, and economic abuse to maintain power and control over the other intimate partner. It is both a crime and a serious family matter.
Where do I go for help with filing an injunction (restraining order)?
There are several courts in the community (listed above) where Intake Unit staff are available to assist persons with filing for an injunction. They will also help with referrals to social service agencies in the community, safety planning, and procedural information about the court process.
There are procedures in place which make it possible to obtain an injunction in Palm Beach County 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Office Hours:
Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Extended Emergency Hours for Obtaining an Injunction:
Weekdays or Weekends, after 5:00 p.m.:
Call 211 or Palm Beach County Victim Services / Crisis Unit (561) 833-7273
What are the hours of operation?
Office Hours:
Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Extended Emergency Hours for Obtaining an Injunction:
Weekdays or Weekends, after 5:00 p.m.:
Call 211 or Palm Beach County Victim Services / Crisis Unit (561) 833-7273
How does the injunction process work?
The injunction process begins when you file for an injunction at one of the intake locations listed above. The Intake Unit staff will help you complete all the necessary paperwork, which is taken to a judge to review. If the judge decides the sworn allegations contained in the paperwork meet the requirements of Florida law for the issuance of an injunction, the judge will enter a Temporary Injunction, which will be valid for 15 days. A hearing will be set within 15 days, and the Sheriff's Office will attempt to personally serve the person who the injunction is filed against (the respondent) with the injunction paperwork.
The Temporary Injunction can require the respondent to have no contact with the person filing the injunction (the petitioner), stay away from the petitioner's home and workplace, vacate a shared residence, award temporary custody of minor children and require the surrender of firearms.
At the court hearing, the judge will decide whether to grant a Permanent Injunction after taking testimony from the parties and witnesses, and considering any evidence which is presented. If a Permanent Injunction is granted, it will be effective until it is changed or ended by the judge at either party's request, after notice and hearing, or until a specific date set by the judge (i.e., 1 year, 3 years, 5 years, etc.). The Permanent Injunction can require the respondent to have no contact with the petitioner, stay away from the petitioner's home and workplace, award custody, visitation, child and spousal support, and require the surrender of firearms. The Permanent Injunction can also order the respondent to attend a batterers' intervention program and victims and children can be referred to support groups and counseling programs, free of charge.
How much does it cost to file for an injunction?
There is no charge for the injunction.
How long does an injunction last?
The time length of an injunction varies from case to case. Make sure you read your injunction (temporary or final) carefully and understand what is says. The DVIU is available for any questions or concerns you may have.
When an injunction expires, can I get another one?
Yes. if your injunction has expired, you must fill out another petition for an injunction for protection against domestic violence. If your injunction has expired you may request an extension of the injunction by filing a motion for extension. The DVIU offers these forms and help filling them out.
What constitutes a violation of an injunction?
Any of the following constitutes a violation of an injunction:
- Refusing to vacate and/or stay away from a dwelling.
- Going to the petitioner and/or any named family or household member.
- Committing an act of domestic violence against the petitioner.
- Committing any other violation through an intentional unlawful threat, word, or act of violence to the petitioner.
- Refusing to dispose of any firearms.
- Telephoning, contacting, or otherwise communicating with the petitioner directly or indirectly, unless the injunction specifically allows indirect contact through a third party.
How can I get an injunction dismissed or dropped?
If you would like to get your Temporary Injunction dismissed, you must tell the judge at the time of your hearing. The judge will not consider dismissing the injunction before the hearing date. You should appear in court on your hearing date and explain why you no longer need this protection from the court. If you have a Permanent Injunction and you would like to request that it be dismissed, you need to file a motion or write a letter to the judge and mail it or bring it in person to the intake location where you filed for the injunction.
What if I have a problem with my hearing date?
If you know you have a scheduling conflict and will not be able to attend your court hearing on the date it is set for, file a motion or write a letter to the judge asking for a new hearing date and mail it (if it will get there before the hearing date) or bring it in person to the intake location where you filed for the injunction.
If you realize that you have missed your court date, immediately write a letter to the judge asking for a new hearing date or bring it in person to the intake location where you filed for the injunction. Include your case number, judge's name, and phone number where you can be contacted (unless it is confidential) on your motion or letter. If you have any questions, call the Domestic Violence Intake Unit.
How can I get the custody, visitation, and/or child support provisions of the injunction changed?
If circumstances have changed since you got your injunction and you would like the judge to consider changing any of the conditions of the injunction, such as custody, visitation, and/or child support, you need to file a motion or write a letter to the judge requesting that a hearing be scheduled for this purpose. You should mail it or bring it in person to the intake location where you filed for the injunction. Include your case number, judge's name, and phone number where you can be contacted (unless it is confidential) on your motion or letter.
For more information on changing the terms of your injunction call one of the above telephone numbers.
What do I do if the person I filed the injunction against (the respondent) violates the injunction?
If the respondent violates the injunction by coming into personal contact with you, call 911 (the police) to report the violation and ask for their immediate assistance. If the respondent leaves or commits some other type of violation, such as telephone or mail contact, go to the intake location where you filed for the injunction, prior to 4:00 p.m. Monday through Friday, to start the process to file for an injunction violation.
Where can I get information about my domestic violence-related criminal case?
You can get information about your domestic violence-related criminal case by calling Domestic Violence Intake Unit or the Domestic Violence Division at (561) 355-6316. You can also call the State Attorney's Office (DOVE Unit) at 355-7433.
Where can I get information about my divorce case?
You can get information about your divorce case by calling the Clerk's Office at (561) 355-8385 or 355-8386, between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.
