Manatee County Clerk’s Office recognizes Domestic Violence Awareness Month this October

Each year thousands of women, men, and children in Florida are impacted by domestic violence.

Throughout October, the office of the Manatee County Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller observes National Domestic Violence Awareness Month. During this month, we are heightening awareness of our services to help protect the individuals affected by domestic violence issues.     

Our office provides critical public services to help those facing domestic violence, including processing domestic violence injunctions, better known as restraining orders, at no cost to the filer. Over the last fiscal year, which ended September 30, 2022, we received and processed nearly 1,000 injunction applications.

An injunction, sometimes called a restraining order, is a court order which tells someone to do or not do something. An Injunction for Protection against Violence is signed by a judge and can be enforced by law enforcement or the courts. In Florida, Injunctions for  Protection are governed by Florida Statutes Sections 741.30 and 784.046.

 

Video created by the Florida Court Clerks & Comptrollers Association

Our office provides several injunction packets, including domestic violence, repeat violence, dating violence, sexual violence, and stalking. 

In addition to processing and filing injunctions, we partner with HOPE Family Services, the Rape Crisis Center provided by Centerstone, and the Manatee County Sheriff's Office Victim's Advocate Unit to provide additional services and information to customers in need. 

“If you need assistance with a domestic violence injunction, please contact our office so we can provide guidance and help process your application,” urges Clerk Angel Colonneso. “The safety of individuals seeking protection from domestic violence will always be a top priority for our office and all Clerks of Court throughout Florida.”

Here are the steps to take if you believe you or someone you love is a victim of domestic violence or have a reasonable fear that violence is imminent:

• If you are in immediate danger, call 9-1-1 for assistance from law enforcement.
• Visit our office to start the process of filing for an injunction.
• Call the Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-500-1119 for support, advocacy, and assistance finding a shelter.

Click here to learn more about our services and access links to additional resources.