A WEB PAMPHLET BY THE PINELLAS PARK POLICE DEPARTMENT
DOMESTIC VIOLENCE. WHAT IS IT ALL ABOUT? The Pinellas Park Police Department will not tolerate domestic terrorism within the home, that is why we have adopted a pro-arrest policy towards domestic violence. If the criteria set forth in current Florida law is met when PPPD officers investigate any report of domestic violence having occurred, a PHYSICAL ARREST is the preferred manner to resolve that situation.
If you are being pushed, shoved, slapped, kicked, punched or any other unwanted physical touching by your intimate partner, this could be the beginning of an abusive relationship. Any spouse, former spouse, or persons relate by blood or marriage, persons who are presently residing together as if a family, or persons who have a child in common regardless of whether they have been married or have resided together at any time. Domestic Violence means any assault, aggravated assault, battery, aggravated battery, sexual battery, stalking, kidnaping, false imprisonment or any other criminal offense resulting in physical injury or death of one family or household member by another, who is or was residing in the same single family dwelling. Call the police department if you are in danger, have a family member or relative who is in danger, have a friend or co-worker who is in danger, or if you see or hear a neighbor who is in danger. HOW DO I CONTACT THE POLICE DEPARTMENT? Dial 911 for immediate police response to emergencies. Any other time dial (727) 541-0758 or (727) 541-0763 for the police department's communications center. Dial (727)541-0766 to contact the police department's Victim Assistance Coordinator during weekday business hours. WHAT WILL THE POLICE DEPARTMENT DO FOR ME? Responding officers will calm the current situation and restore peace and order. If it can be determined that a crime has been committed, a physical arrest will be made if the perpetrator is still present. A written police report will document what had occurred during the incident. You will be provided with a victim's rights booklet, a brochure outlining your legal rights and remedies concerning your situation and information on obtaining an injunction for protection from further acts of domestic violence. WHAT IS AN INJUNCTION FOR PROTECTION? An injunction for protection is a court order granting the victim certain protections, which may include any or all of the following TEMPORARY provisions:
When applying for a temporary injunction, you will present your request in writing with the assistance of court employees and others and you will not see the judge in person. To apply for an injunction for protection in Pinellas County you must appear in person at one of the following locations as early as possible.
A recorded abuse HOTLINE is also available at the Clerk of the Court's Office twenty-four hours a day. For assistance call (727)464-4878 (HURT). The Clerk's Office is open from 8:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. weekdays, however, an injunction may be applied for at anytime in emergency situations. In addition, the Clerk of the Court's web page provides additional access to information 24 hours per day at http://clerk.co.pinellas.fl.us. It is important that you bring with you all needed information such as time, dates and descriptions of incidents, including documentation, such as copies of police reports, when possible. It is also necessary that you are able to provide as much personal information about the suspect as possible such as the full name, date of birth, and physical description. Injunctions for protection are valid for up to fifteen days, during which time the judge will schedule a return hearing when both sides will have an opportunity to be heard. The judge will then decide whether or not the injunction will be made PERMANENT. In cases where the court is convinced that the payment of the courts costs of $50.00 would be a hardship, the fees may be waived or assessed on the other party. If an injunction for protection is granted to you, be sure to carry a copy with you at all times. Injunctions for protection from other jurisdictions will be enforced if they are valid. The injunction cannot be enforced until served on the other party. Note: Providing the Court with false information on the petition for injunction for protection is a criminal offense which could subject a violator to a term of imprisonment or to a fine or both. Emergency housing can be arranged by the police department or directly with a shelter. For service SOUTH of Ulmerton Road Call "CASA" (Center Against Spouse Abuse) at (727)898-3671. For service NORTH of Ulmerton Road call "The Haven" (Religious Community Services) at (727)442-4128. For service in Hillsborough County call "The Spring" of Tampa Bay in Tampa at (813)247-7233 (SAFE). A wide range of services are available for both men and women victims of domestic violence and their children. In Pinellas County, the State Attorney's Office has a specially trained unit to prosecute domestic violence cases. The Circuit Court has specially trained judges to hear domestic violence cases. ***THERE IS HELP AVAILABLE*** WE ARE HERE TO SERVE YOU! Return to the Library Homepage Provided by The Pinellas Park Police Department and the Pinellas Park Public Library. |