Sexual violence is sexual activity when consent is not obtained or freely given. It impacts every community and affects both sexes and ages.
Sexual violence includes many forms, including sexual harassment, sexual abuse, and sexual assault, among others.
Survivors may be ashamed, embarrassed, or afraid to tell the police, friends, or family about the violence. Victims may also keep quiet because they have been threatened or do not think anyone will help them. Consequences can include depression, anxiety, suicidal thoughts, and chronic health conditions.
Understanding and addressing risk and protective factors can help identify various opportunities for prevention.
Local Crisis Centers
Find a certified rape crisis centers near you, or if you need immediate assistance, call the statewide helpline at 888-956-7273 to be connected with local services.
The Florida Department of Health’s Violence and Injury Prevention Section understands sexual violence is a public health issue and seeks to address it using community partners to implement sexual violence prevention resources.
Victim Services
Program funds rape crisis centers in Florida to provide the following services 24/7 to primary victims of sexual violence: crisis intervention, information and referral, advocacy and accompaniment, counseling, therapy, hotline services and support groups.
If you or someone you know is a victim of sexual assault, contact the Florida Council Against Sexual Violence at 888-956-7273.
Domestic Violence
In collaboration with Florida’s network of certified domestic violence service providers and partners, Florida has established a coordinated, multidisciplinary approach to enhancing advocacy and improving the criminal justice system’s response to domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking crimes.
domestic violence centers
Florida’s 41 certified domestic violence centers offer temporary emergency shelter, advocacy, and crisis intervention services to provide victims with the resources necessary to be safe and live free of violence. Call 800-500-1119, available 24/7.
Program Resources
Information Resources
State Resources
- Florida Coalition Against Human Trafficking
- Florida Council Against Sexual Violence
- Florida Department of Children and Families Domestic Violence
National Resources
- U.S. Department of Homeland Security
- U.S. Department of Defense
- U.S. Department of Justice
- U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, Office on Women’s Health
- National Center on Domestic Violence, Trauma, and Mental Health
- National Sexual Violence Resource Center
- National Center for Victims of Crime
- National Center on Domestic and Sexual Violence
- National Coalition Against Domestic Violence
- Veto Violence: Social Norms Change
- Futures Without Violence
- National Alliance to End Sexual Violence
- National Archive of Criminal Justice
- National Crime Prevention Council
- National Network to End Domestic Violence
- No More
- Parents of Murdered Children
- Polaris Project
- Rape, Abuse, and Incest National Network
Educational Programs
Rape Crisis Program Funding
In 2003, the Florida legislature created the Sexual Battery Victims’ Access to Services Act (section 794.055, Florida Statutes) and the Rape Crisis Program Trust Fund (section 794.056, Florida Statutes) facilitated by the Florida Department of Health.
The Act creates a $151 surcharge on offenders convicted of sexual battery and other offenses ($1 for the court), including many of the aggravated battery and battery offenses. The Rape Crisis Program Trust Fund was created to accept collected fines, fees, and other funds designated for rape crisis services. The Florida Department of Health contracts with Florida Council Against Sexual Violence to distribute funds rape crisis centers throughout Florida.
The Florida Legislature provides $5,342,604 through a recurring base appropriations project for statewide services for victims of sexual assault. At least 95% of the funds provided must be distributed to certified rape crisis centers for victim service provision. The council also implements a certification program for certified rape crisis centers to ensure high-quality services are provided to sexual violence victims in Florida. Five of the six core services must be achieved to receive trust fund money and to be considered a certified rape crisis center.
Core Services
- 24/7 hotline services
- Information and referral
- Crisis intervention
- Advocacy and accompaniment services
- Community awareness
- System coordination
Enhanced Services
- Support groups/personal growth groups
- Therapy
- Prevention/risk reduction education
- Medical intervention/forensic evidence collection
See the Rape Crisis Program Trust Fund (RCPTF) Funding Formula.
See the General Revenue (GR) Funding Formula.
Services-Training-Officers-Prosecutors (STOP)
The Violence Against Women and Department of Justice Reauthorization Act has improved the systemic response to sexual violence victims by funding intervention services. Florida Council Against Sexual Violence receives STOP funds to provide training and technical assistance to first responders at certified rape crisis centers, law enforcement agencies and allied professionals to improve the provision of the sexual battery recovery services for sexual assault victims.