DOMESTIC VIOLENCE COURT
Due to a dramatic increase in the number of domestic violence cases, a separate Domestic Violence Court was created more than a decade ago in Hernando County. The goal of DV Court is to take special care with cases in this category and to ensure that all appropriate persons involved in domestic violence crimes receive rehabilitative assistance in the form of a 29 week Certified Batterer’s Intervention Program. This program is designed to address the issues of jealousy, communication, control, anger, tension reduction, and the cycle of abuse.
A Domestic Relations Pre-Trial Intervention Program has been established to offer counseling and early intervention treatment services to individuals who have been arrested for a misdemeanor act of domestic violence.
HOW DO I QUALIFY FOR THE PRE-TRIAL INTERVENTION PROGRAM?
You may be considered for the Pre-Trial Intervention Program if you are a first-time offender charged with a battery offense against a spouse, partner, or other person with whom a close personal relationship is maintained. You must be willing to admit there is a problem and to seek counseling for violent behavior. The victim of the battery must not have sustained severe injury sufficient to require serious medical care. You will be required to attend a Certified Batterer’s Intervention Program for a minimum of 29 weeks and will pay$40.00 per month for the costs of supervision.