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A Message from the State Attorney

Dear Friend,

 

October is recognized as Domestic Violence Awareness Month. This month, we raise awareness, support survivors, and educate the public about prevention and intervention. Domestic violence affects people of all ages, genders, and backgrounds, and can take many forms—physical, emotional, psychological, or verbal abuse.

 

According to the Office on Women’s Health, over 15 million children in the U.S. live in homes where domestic violence has occurred, putting them at greater risk of repeating the cycle as adults. Each day, more than 20,000 calls are made to domestic violence hotlines nationwide.

Our office is committed to protecting survivors and holding offenders accountable. We have two specialized Domestic Violence Units: one for misdemeanors and one for felonies, so that every case receives focused and thorough attention. In addition, the Domestic Assistance Response Team (D.A.R.T.) and SAO Mobile Operations Victim Emergency Services (M.O.V.E.S.) programs expand our presence throughout the community.

 

The M.O.V.E.S. program provides immediate, on-scene support to victims of domestic violence. M.O.V.E.S. advocates work closely with law enforcement and service providers to offer victims safety planning, crisis intervention, emergency assistance, and referrals to essential community resources.

 

Building on M.O.V.E.S.’s hands-on response, our SAO D.A.R.T. program extends that support beyond the initial incident, maintaining ongoing contact with victims to ensure their continued safety and access to resources. The D.A.R.T. team assesses immediate needs, connects victims with critical services, and offers guidance throughout the judicial process. Staff also conduct video pre-file conferences that allow victims to safely share their experiences and help ensure stronger, more effective cases in court.

 

Together, M.O.V.E.S. and D.A.R.T. reflect our office’s commitment to protecting victims, empowering survivors, and building safer communities through compassion and accountability.

If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, help is available. Our State Attorney’s Office Domestic Violence Unit Resource Line is 305-547-0140, is available to assist anyone in need of help, guidance, or information about available resources. You can also find information on our website. For information about shelters, you can contact the Coordinated Victims Assistance Center (CVAV) at (305)285-5900.

 

Together, we can break the cycle of abuse, support survivors, and build a safer community for all.

 

Thank you, be safe, and God Bless,

Spotlight on Service:

Assistant State Attorneys Honored


State Attorney Speaks at the Coral Gables Chamber of Commerce Luncheon



Removing Roadblocks:

Meeting on Driver's License Reform


State Attorney Attends Boater Safety & Bay Education Task Force Meeting



Protecting Our Youth:

Education to Prevent Exploitation


Community Outreach in Action:



"Second Chance:"

Seal or Expunge Event


SAO Profile in Passion

Julio Caso, Felony Domestic Crimes Paralegal


The Success of Our Crime Fighters:

Courtroom Highlights


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