FAQ

Domestic Violence: Frequently asked questions

Sexual Abuse: Frequently asked questions 

Frequently asked questions about Domestic Violence

1. I need help right now. Who can I call?

If you are in a situation that feels dangerous right now call 911.

Domestic Violence & Sexual Assault Hotlines in Miami-Dade County:

  • Advocates for Victims North Dade Victim Center, Safespace Call 7 days a week, 24 hours a day Shelter placement and other information 305-758-2546
  • Advocates for Victims South Dade Victim Center, Safespace Call 7 days a week, 24 hours a day Shelter placement and other information 305-247-4249
  • Victim Response Inc. The Lodge Call 7 days a week, 24 hours a day Shelter placement and other information 305-693-0232
  • Rape Treatment Center and Sexual Abuse Hotline Call 7 days a week, 24 hours a day Counseling and information 305-585-7273
  • Domestic Violence Court Hotline Call 7 days a week, 24 hours a day Information regarding legal protection orders and community resources for victims 305-349-5888
  • Victim Advocacy Center at Florida International University Call 7 days a week, 24 hours a day Information, assistance, crisis response for FIU students, faculty, and staff 305-348-3000

2. Do I have to file charges in order to get help?

Services will be provided even when a victim does not want to file charges against the abuser or rapist. However, if you want to obtain a legal Order of Protection from the court you will need to have a police report of at least one incident of abuse. Also, more legal services and help options will be available if charges are filed.

3. Can I get help if I do not have legal status in the US?

Domestic violence and sexual assault victims who do not have legal status and those who have temporary visas can contact the following programs for help without fearing that any negative immigration action will be taken. All of these programs provide services in English, Spanish, and Creole.

  • Advocates for Victims North Dade Victim Center, Safespace Call 7 days a week, 24 hours a day Shelter placement and other information
    305-758-2546
  • Advocates for Victims South Dade Victim Center, Safespace Call 7 days a week, 24 hours a day Shelter placement and other information
    305-247-4249
  • Victim Response Inc. The Lodge Call 7 days a week, 24 hours a day Shelter placement and other information.
    305-693-0232
  • Florida Coalition Against Domestic Violence Call 7 days a week, 24 hours a day Information and referral.
    1-800-500-1119
  • Florida Immigrant Advocacy Center (LUCHA) Call Monday through Friday, 9:00 am to 5:00 pm Provides immigration legal assistance to battered women and victims of human trafficking.
    305-573-1106
  • Fanm Ayisyen Nan Miyami Call Monday through Friday, 9:00 am to 5:00 pm Legal representation in immigration and other issues; domestic violence support group; case management and family therapy.
    305-756-8050

4. Will I be deported if I report the abuse?

No. All domestic violence and sexual assault victims in the United States are protected under Public Law 106-386, Victims of Trafficking and Violence Protection Act of 2000. Even victims who are in the U.S. illegally cannot be deported for reporting domestic violence or sexual assault crimes and are able to use victim services in the United States community where they live.

5. Will they take my children away from me if I report abuse or get a restraining order?

To get an answer to this question that is specific to your situation, you can make an anonymous call to Florida Coalition Against Domestic Violence Legal Hotline 1-800-500-1119, ext.3

6. If I file charges against the abuser or get a restraining order, how can I make sure my children and I stay safe?

This is an important question because women and their children are often at greater risk for violence after they file charges, get a restraining order, or leave the abuser. However, shelters are well protected, offer temporary housing, and will help you find a new and safe place to live.

There are several court intake locations in the community where staff is available to assist persons with filing for an injunction and they will have information on safety planning. You can obtain an injunction in Miami-Dade County 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Call the 24-Hour MIAMI-DADE COUNTY DOMESTIC VIOLENCE COURT HOTLINE at (305) 349-5888 to get help in finding the court intake location closest to where you are.

For more information on safety planning for you, your children, and other threatened family members please click here: LINK TO SAFETY PLANNING SITE

7. What are my choices for emergency shelter? What if I have children and/or pets? What if I have an aging parent living with me who I care for or who would not be safe if I left him or her behind?

Safespace (Advocates for Victims, North and South Dade Centers) will provide shelter for children, female dependents, and will attempt to make temporary arrangements for pet shelter. Aging parents are accommodated with the victim and her children. If the aging parent/dependent is male, Safespace tries to keep the family together in one room but separate from other shelter families.

The Lodge will provide shelter for children, dependents, and pets. Shelter arrangements will be made for pets to stay with a temporary foster pet caretaker or the Humane Society. 

8. Where do I find legal services if I can’t pay for them?

Places you can go for free legal services and legal services provided on a sliding scale are:

For immigration lawyer referrals contact the American Immigration Lawyers Association attorney referral service at 1-800-954-0254 or send an e-mail to ilrs@aila.org.[add

9. Will I be eligible for help if I have no visible injuries or no physical injuries at all?

Often, domestic violence leaves no visible physical injuries, particularly when it is takes the form of mental and emotional abuse. Victims can always get help, including information and referral, advocacy, support, and shelter and counseling, even though the legal system may not be involved.

Many people don’t know that a victim does not have to show physical injuries in order for an abuser to be charged with domestic violence or sexual assault. Threats and stalking are very powerful forms of abuse and can result in criminal charges.

For more information about emotional abuse go to: LINK TO EMOTIONAL ABUSE SITE

10. I have no way to leave my house and no money. How can I arrange for transportation to a safe place?

Safespace (Advocates for Victims, North and South Dade Centers) and The Lodge can arrange for safe transportation for you. These programs have 24 hour, 7 day a week call-in lines: Safespace North 305-758-2546 Safespace South 305-247-4249 The Lodge 305-693-0232

11. After I ask for help, will I be allowed to make my own choices about my family’s future?

Some of the people who help victims of domestic violence and sexual assault may try to get you to do what they think is best for you based on their experience. However, one of the most important steps to getting stronger and safer is to learn to evaluate your options and decide for yourself what is best for you at the time. Nevertheless, if you make decisions that put your children at risk and certain vulnerable adults at risk for harm, some choices may be taken away from you by child protective services, law enforcement, and the courts, as required by law.

12. My abuser is well known in the community. Will I be able to get a fair hearing?

Although we would like to think that every victim gets a fair hearing and every abuser or rapist is prosecuted to the full extent of the law, there are certainly no guarantees as your case moves through a complicated court process. Make sure to talk about your concerns with your lawyer and any advocates or counselors who are helping you. The State Attorney’s Office has victim witness counselors who will assist you through the criminal court process and explain your rights and available remedies to you along the way.

13. I know someone who I think is being abused. Is there anything I can do to help?

The Florida Coalition Against Domestic Violence has excellent information about how to help friends or family who may be victims of abuse or rape. Their phone number, answered 24 hours a day, seven days a week, is 1-800-500-1119 or you may reach them on the internet at www.fcadv.org.

Many victims and survivors say that no one reached out to help them, even those who may have been able to do so. Therefore, if you suspect a problem you should consider getting involved in some way. It’s important to let the victim know that: 1) it’s NOT her fault; 2) no one has the right to abuse her; and 3) you are concerned about her welfare and safety. But before stepping in and possibly doing something that could increase the victim’s risk, make sure to become informed about the best way to offer help.

Frequently asked questions about Sexual Abuse

1. I was raped/sexually assaulted and want help. Who can I call other than the police?

The following organizations in Miami-Dade County will help rape victims and only call police with the victims consent:

2. If I call the Rape Hotline, is my call confidential?

Generally, yes. You do not even need to give your name. And if you provide your name or other personal details to the hotline counselor, everything you say is considered confidential. However, if you have concerns about confidentiality, make sure to let the hotline counselor know at the beginning of the conversation. Ask him or her to explain what, if any, information would not be kept private at your request, based on Florida law.

3. Can I get help if I do not have legal status in the U.S.?

Domestic violence and sexual assault victims who do not have legal status in the U.S. and those who have temporary visas can contact the following programs for help without fearing that any negative immigration action will be taken. All of these programs work with people who speak English, Spanish, or Creole.

  • Advocates for Victims North Dade Victim Center, Safespace Call 7 days a week, 24 hours a day Shelter placement and other information 305-758-2546
  • Advocates for Victims South Dade Victim Center, Safespace Call 7 days a week, 24 hours a day Shelter placement and other information 305-247-4249
  • Victim Response Inc. The Lodge Call 7 days a week, 24 hours a day Shelter placement and other information. 305-693-0232
  • Florida Coalition Against Domestic Violence Call 7 days a week, 24 hours a day Information and referral. 1-800-500-1119
  • Florida Immigrant Advocacy Center (LUCHA) Call Monday through Friday, 9:00 am to 5:00 pm Provides immigration legal assistance to battered women and victims of human trafficking. 305-573-1106
  • Fanm Ayisyen Nan Miyami Call Monday through Friday, 9:00 am to 5:00 pm Legal representation in immigration and other issues; domestic violence support group; case management and family therapy. 305-756-8050

4. Will I be deported if I report the assault?

All domestic violence and sexual assault victims in the United States are protected under Public Law 106-386, Victims of Trafficking and Violence Protection Act of 2000. Even victims who are in the U.S. illegally cannot be deported for reporting domestic violence or sexual assault crimes and are able to use victim services in the United States community where they live.

5. I was sexually assaulted but it has been several days or weeks. I’m pretty sure there is no more evidence. Am I eligible for help?

Absolutely! Generally, however, DNA evidence cannot be collected after 72 hours. So waiting to seek help may limit your legal options. Sexual assault survivors are strongly encouraged to seek medical care to check for internal injuries, sexually transmitted diseases, and unwanted pregnancy, and also are encouraged to get help when they are ready to talk with someone, even if it is many years later.

6.I can’t sleep, eat and I am taking a dozen hot showers a day. Am I going crazy or is this normal?

These kinds of symptoms and many others are often described by sexual assault survivors. Some survivors report having no feelings at all – sometimes described as a sense of numbness. There is no one “normal” response for sexual assault survivors although all survivors experience effects from the assault in some form or another. However, if these symptoms continue longer than three months, you may be at risk for post traumatic stress disorder or depression and are strongly encouraged to seek help from a mental health professional.

Often talking with a trained counselor and/or participating in a survivor support group will help survivors better understand their feelings after the assault. Some of the places you can call for this type of assistance or for referral to an agency that does provide this kind of help in Miami-Dade County are listed below:

8. I was sexually assaulted a long time ago but am having problems with my feelings about it now. Can I get help?

The Journey Institute program is designed to help long-term survivors deal with their feelings about the sexual assault they experienced earlier in life. Their phone number is 305-443-1123.

9. To feel safe from sexual assault I need to leave where I live now. Would there be any place for me to go for temporary shelter?

  • The Lodge-305-693-0232
  • Safespace 305-758-2546 (North), 305-247-4249 (South)

10. I was sexually assaulted and the attacker did not use protection. I am worried about pregnancy and (or) diseases. Where can I go for confidential medical care? Will I be eligible if I don’t want to press charges? What if I can’t afford to pay?

The Rape Treatment Center (305-585-7273) provides free, confidential medical treatment for all sexual assault victims. You are not required to report the assault to law enforcement in order to receive this kind of help.

If you prefer not to be identified as a sexual assault victim at all, but want to be checked for pregnancy and/or diseases that may have been caused by the attacker, you can contact the Miami-Dade Health Department at 305-324-2400. You can simply say that you had unprotected sex and want to be checked to determine if you need medical treatment for pregnancy and/or sexually transmitted diseases.

11. If I go to a clinic or doctor’s office, will they have to report my rape/sexual assault to the authorities even without my consent?

No. As long as your are over the age of 18, the decision to report a rape/sexual assault to the police is left up to the victim.

12. Are there any support groups available for rape/sexual assault survivors?

13. I’m concerned that a friend/family member was sexually assaulted, but she won’t talk about it. How can I help?

The Florida Council Against Sexual Violence has published the following suggestions:

  • Remain calm. You might feel shock or rage, but expressing these emotions to the victim may cause the victim more trauma.
  • Encourage medical attention. Care is important because there may be internal injuries that are not noticeable, or the victim may have been exposed to sexually transmitted diseases. Additionally, a forensic exam can help provide evidence should the victim decide to prosecute.
  • Give the victim control. All control has been stripped from the victim during the assault. Allow the victim to make decisions about what steps to take next.
  • Maintain confidentiality. Let the victim decide who will know about the assault.
  • Let the victim express feelings. Listen without adding your opinions. If the victim wishes to remain silent, do not force a discussion. Say you will be there to listen always.
  • Believe the victim. Make it clear to the victim that you believe the assault happened and that the assault is the fault of the abuser, NOT the victim.
  • Encourage counseling. Give the victim the hotline number for the nearest sexual violence crisis center, but let the decision be the victim’s.
  • Seek help for yourself. Don’t ignore your own feelings, even though you may not be able to share all of them with the victim right now. Your local crisis center can provide counseling for you if you need to talk.

For more information go to their website at www.fcasv.org.

Or contact Victims Services Center in Miami, 305-374-9990