TAVARES, FL (352today) — The month of October is designated as Domestic Violence Awareness Month, and the employees of the Lake County Clerk’s Office worked throughout the month to raise awareness and gather stuffed animals for local children affected by domestic abuse.
“Abuse comes in many different forms, and often adults are not the only ones affected. Unfortunately, children witness abuse and can be displaced from their homes with nothing but the clothes on their back,” said Gary Cooney, Lake County Clerk & Comptroller. “This is our fourth year of gathering donations, and our focus this year was on the community’s smallest victims who are seeking comfort and assistance.”
The stuffed animals collected were donated to the Haven of Lake and Sumter Counties, which was established in 1977 to meet the needs of victims of domestic violence. In its more than https://www.havenlakesumter.org/ years of existence, Haven has expanded its base of services and now provides comprehensive services to victims of domestic violence and sexual violence.
Last year, the Lake County Clerk’s Office processed 1,213 petitions for domestic violence injunctions. The office also joined a statewide initiative to provide Hope Cards to victims who are issued a final judgment for an injunction for protection. The Hope Card serves as proof of a valid protective order, enabling law enforcement and other authorities to quickly access relevant case information. Persons seeking an injunction may contact the Injunctions Office at 352-742-6625.
If you are the victim of domestic violence, contact the Florida Domestic Violence Hotline at (800) 500-1119 or contact local law enforcement. For more information about Haven of Lake and Sumter Counties, Inc., visit their website, or to make a donation, visit their Leesburg Outreach office at 2600 South St., Leesburg.