October is Domestic Abuse Awareness Month and thanks to a new program, Orlando Police will now be able to call a new, dedicated hotline when they see a domestic abuse situation on the scene. The hotline will put victims in immediate touch with an advocate to talk them through the situation while the police are still present.  Before the program, police officers would offer pamphlets and other domestic violence information to potential victims.  The victims would then be contacted for follow up some 24 – 48 hours later, a delay that oftentimes proved to be too late.

The City of Apopka implemented the program 10 months ago and the results are promising. Prior to the launching of the new program in Apopka, 40 percent of violence victims were accepting help a year ago. Now, it’s 90 percent and advocates give the program much of the credit.

ALERT: Computer use can be monitored and is impossible to completely clear. If you’re afraid your internet/computer usage might be monitored, please use a safer computer or call the hotline.

To find out more about the program click here:

http://www.wftv.com/news/news/local/harbor-house-rolls-out-new-domestic-abuse-hotline-/nnwBk/

For more information about Harbor House and its services click here:

https://www.harborhousefl.com/

If you or someone you know is a victim of domestic violence visit http://www.thehotline.org/ or call 1-800-799-SAFE (7233).