E6: Legal Advocacy for Families Impacted by Domestic Violence
Chris DelMarco, Attorney, Legal Services of North Florida
Domestic violence (DV) and intimate partner violence (IPV) affect individuals across all demographics. Human services and law enforcement responders often encounter IPV cases and must collaborate to support survivors. Despite their shared goal of ensuring safe families and communities, these collaborations can be challenging due to differing priorities, processes, and responsibilities.
Attorney Chris DelMarco of Legal Services of North Florida specializes in representing survivors of domestic, sexual, and dating violence, as well as stalking. Her work focuses on enhancing the safety and long‑term stability of survivors and their children.
Ms. DelMarco says successful outcomes for DV survivors include:
-Ensuring that they feel heard and feel like they can return for help
-Offering supportive, nonjudgmental interactions
-Creating systems that hold perpetrators accountable—not survivors
“Domestic violence survivors really do know more about their situation than any of us ever will. They know about the danger they face. They know about what will and won’t help. They know what they need to be safer and to provide safety for their kids. We all really need to consider their knowledge, perspectives, and experiences and make sure those things are interwoven in whatever remedies we are working with them on.” Chris DelMarco
Content Note: This episode contains an in-depth discussion about domestic violence and intimate partner violence, including descriptions of abusive behavior and its emotional and psychological impacts. These topics may be distressing or activating for some listeners. If you or someone you know is experiencing violence or feels unsafe, please consider taking a break from this episode or listening with support.
For confidential help, contact:
National Domestic Violence Hotline (NDVH)
📞 Phone: 1‑800‑799‑SAFE (7233)
📱 Text: Text “START” to 88788
💬 Chat: Available at thehotline.org
https://www.thehotline.org/
https://acf.gov/fysb/ndvh
https://www.mnadv.org/get-help/24-hour-national-hotline/
National Sexual Assault Hotline (RAINN)
📞 Phone: 1‑800‑656‑HOPE (4673)
https://www.justice.gov/ovw/resources-for-survivors
Florida-Specific Domestic Violence Hotlines
Florida Statewide Domestic Violence Hotline (24/7)
📞 Phone: 1‑800‑500‑1119
📞 TTY: 1‑800‑621‑4202
https://www.fcadv.org/dv-hotline
https://www.myflfamilies.com/services/abuse/domestic-violence
https://www.fpedv.org/get-help/
The Institute honors the many ways those impacted by violence identify. For that reason, we will use the terms “victim” and “survivor” interchangeably to honor both preferences. We also recognize that professionals use different terms to describe their work in this space, including “domestic violence,” “intimate partner violence,” and “partner violence.” While each of these terms has a specific meaning, we will again use terms interchangeably for professional representation.
Just a reminder: Our guests’ opinions are their own and do not necessarily reflect the official views, policies, or positions of the Florida Institute for Child Welfare.
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Host: Dr. Lisa Magruder
Producing/Editing: David Heller, Brantley Jones, Izzy Cring
