Domestic Violence in Daytona Beach, Florida
Most communities, even small ones, have developed programs to deal with the problem of domestic violence. The intention in this paper is to explore the community response to domestic violence in Daytona Beach, Florida, with a focus on one specific program or agency.
The community response is coordinated by the Daytona Beach Domestic Abuse Council, Inc., although that is not the only group involved in the effort. It stemmed from an effort by the late Florida governor, Lawton Chiles, who created the Task Force on Domestic and Sexual Violence in 1993 to create a statewide coordinated effort to end the problem of domestic violence. It has become known for its innovative approaches to domestic violence, and its comprehensive service provision (Governor's Task Force on Domestic Violence, 2000).
The Domestic Abuse Council is not only a coordinating council, but a service provider. It provides 24-hour services for victims of spousal abuse through a series of programs. It also serves victims of sexual assault, including child victims of sexual abuse. The population served includes children through the elderly.
The two major programs that are provided are the standard ones of 24-hour hotlines for victims and a shelter/safehome program. There is a crisis line staffed primarily by volunteers, but with professional back-up.
Professionals are on call to deal with emergencies at all times.
In terms of shelter, the program is prepared to provide safe haven for women and their families who are fleeing an abusive situation. There they are able to gain support, information, and professional help in extricating themselves from the situation or in obtaining the services that they need.
In addition to these two essentials, the Domestic Abuse Council provides ongoing counseling and referral services to battered women and their families. They provide support groups for both women...