Domestic Violence

For Assistance in the Eighth Judicial Circuit:  

In case of emergency, Dial 911.

Where to go to file a Petition for Protection Against Domestic Violence:

Monday thru Friday from 8:30 am - 5:00 pm. contact the Clerk of Court's office.

After hours in Alachua County, Monday through Friday from 5:00 pm - 8:00 am and all day on weekends and holidays contact the Alachua County Sheriff's Office at 367-4000.

What is the law regarding Domestic Violence?  Click on the Statute below.

Family Member Statute 741.28

Non-Family Member Statute 784.046

If you feel you are being subjected to violent behavior and or have the reasonable belief that you are in some imminent danger of becoming a victim of domestic violence then you can ask the Court for an Injunction for Protection Against Domestic Violence.  The forms necessary to file for an injunction are available from the office of the Clerk of the Court during normal working hours, or the Sheriff Department after hours.  Filling out the forms will take approximately one hour to one and half hours.  The forms must be clearly and neatly written since this is all a Judge will see before granting your request.  This includes a short concise summary of the events to include any violence and threats made against you.  Include the dates the events took place and any past incidents.  If your request is granted a temporary injunction will be issued which is in effect until the time of your court hearing.  A full hearing is scheduled within 15 days with all parties appearing before the court.  At the hearing the Judge will listen to the statements and evidence presented by both sides.  Since this is a civil matter rather than a criminal, some of the issues covered may include the following:

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Domestic Violence shelters and counseling

For Alachua, Bradford, and Union counties call the
Peaceful Paths Hotline

1-800-393-SAFE

Trained volunteers are available 24 hours a day to provide domestic violence counseling, advocacy and appropriate referrals. Other resources include support groups, counseling and immediate shelter for women impacted by domestic violence and their children. The Gainesville number is (352) 377-8255.

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For Gilchrist and Levy counties call the Another Way Hotline

FL Domestic Violence Hotline 1-800-500-1119

Staff and volunteers are available 24 hours a day to provide domestic violence counseling, advocacy and appropriate referrals. The facility provides counseling, support and long-term temporary shelter (3-6 months) for survivors of domestic violence. 

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For Baker county call the Hubbard House at 904-354-3114

 or the FL Domestic Violence Hotline 1-800-500-1119

Staff and volunteers are available 24 hours a day to provide domestic violence counseling, advocacy and appropriate referrals. The Hubbard House is a full service domestic violence center providing a safe, non-violent place for women to plan their futures. The facility provides group and individual counseling, support groups, and emergency shelter for survivors of domestic violence. 

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Florida Coalition Against Domestic Violence

425 Office Plaza Dr., Tallahassee, FL  32301

Phone: (850)425-2749    Fax: (850)425-3091

 Florida Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-500-1119

Florida DV Hotline TDD Number: 1-800-621-4202

For assistance and information regarding Domestic Violence.  Can be utilized by anyone in the State of Florida.  For more online information, visit the Florida Coalition Against Domestic Violence website.

Other Phone Numbers

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