According to the Tallahassee Democrat, there were more than 133,000 incidents of domestic violence reported in Florida in 1998. In the eight-county Big Bend Offices in Tallahassee, Refuge House served 5,817 clients in 1998.
Kelly Otte, executive director of Refuge House said that most of the domestic violence victims they see don't need emergency shelter so much as they need counseling and referrals. Refuge House offers individual and group counseling for both the abused and the abuser. They also offer support services for children.
Otte noted that 1,500 emergency injunctions were issued against domestic abusers in Tallahassee, Florida in 1998, some 400 to 500 were sought by men.
Contacts:
Florida Coalition Against Domestic Violence Refuge House toll free hot line 24 hours 800-500-1119.
