SANFORD, Fla. – News 6 on Thursday got an inside look at a new service center for victims of domestic violence in Seminole County.
When it opens Monday, it will be a calm, safe and private place for people to file for protective injunctions, often referred to as restraining orders.
Seminole County Clerk of Court Grant Maloy said he knew there was a better way to help people through this process, and this new service center will accomplish that.
“When I got elected clerk it was basically one little, small room with no privacy, and people were filing injunctions in the hallway in front of the public, often crying, and I thought, ‘This is not the environment I want for people in Seminole County,’” Maloy said.
The new center is located in the Seminole County Justice James E.C. Perry Courthouse Annex on Eslinger Way. It’s right next to courthouse security and separate from other court services.
“When you come here, we’ll help you get the right form. We’ll help you file it,” Maloy said.
Inside, there are private rooms for people to access computers and file the form they need electronically.
“We electronically send it to the judges, and they’ll have it immediately for review,” said Maloy. “So, it’s instant. You don’t have to scan anything.”
There is also an area for children to use while people are busy filling out paperwork.
“If you’re trying to do two things at once, it can be very stressful. So while the person is filling out the form, we can let kids hang out over here,” said Maloy.
It’s the fastest and easiest way to help people, he added.
“When people are in crisis they’re often trapped and they don’t know where to go, and it’s a passion of mine to try and make the process of finding help as easy as possible,” he said.
The clerks’ office also works with SafeHouse of Seminole, a local victim’s advocacy organization, to connect people with other resources they may need, including support, shelter and legal services.
The organization tracks domestic violence police reports filed throughout Seminole County. Last year, the group recorded 2,649 reports. So far in 2024, it has recorded 981.
“Often people in abusive situations, they’re isolated from family, they’re isolated from money. They don’t know where to go,” said Maloy. “This is a place they can come.”
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