Skip to main content
A counselor from Abuse Counseling & Therapy comforts a crying woman with a supportive embrace.

Love should not hurt.

Domestic violence is a pattern of behavior used to gain or maintain power and control over an intimate partner. Abuse may be emotional, physical, sexual, financial, or psychological.

You do not need to be certain that your experience is abuse before asking questions or seeking support.

Call 24/7 Hotline
In Immediate Danger?

If you are being followed or need emergency assistance right now, please call 911 immediately.

(239) 939-3112 Free & Confidential • Support in English & Spanish
Red prohibition symbol over exclamation marks, representing Abuse Counseling & Therapy's work to stop crisis.

Abuse can take many forms

Domestic violence is not limited to physical injury. It can include actions or threats intended to frighten, isolate, intimidate, manipulate, control, humiliate, or harm another person. It can affect people of any race, age, religion, gender, sexual orientation, income, or education level.

01

Emotional

Constant criticism, name-calling, gaslighting, or making you feel guilty for things outside your control.

02

Isolation

Controlling who you see, where you go, and limiting your access to friends, family, or support networks.

03

Financial

Taking your money, forbidding you to work, or withholding funds to make you completely dependent.

04

Physical

Hitting, slapping, choking, or using any force that causes physical harm or the fear of injury.

05

Sexual

Coercing or forcing you into sexual acts against your will, or undermining your sexual autonomy.

06

Security

Denying access to basic needs, housing, or financial stability to keep you dependent.

A drawing of a person hugging their knees, representing Abuse Counseling & Therapy's trauma-informed care.

Does any of this feel familiar?

If you recognize these patterns in your relationship, you are not alone. Reaching out is a sign of strength, not weakness.

A mother comforts her crying toddler, illustrating family support from Abuse Counseling & Therapy.

Fear of Consequences

Afraid of your partner’s reaction?

Fearing severe anger over basic daily decisions.

Digital Surveillance

Monitored phone or social media?

Having your private messages secretly tracked.

Blame Shifting

Blamed for violent outbursts?

Being falsely accused of causing their sudden rages.

Coerced Actions

Forced to do unwanted things?

Pressured to violate your personal boundaries.

Gaslighting & Guilt

Blamed for violent outbursts?

Made to feel guilty for behavior you didn’t cause.

Financial Control

Strictly controlled money or transit?

Having essential funds and freedom limited.

A drawing of a person walking a path toward a rainbow, representing healing with Abuse Counseling & Therapy.

You can take one step at a time

Healing doesn’t happen all at once. We are here to support you at every stage, from immediate safety to long-term recovery.

Safety Planning

Create a personalized plan to lower your risk of being hurt, whether you choose to stay or leave.

An Abuse Counseling & Therapy counselor shares play therapy toys with a client during a session.

Talk To An Advocate

Speak with a trained professional who understands your situation and can offer guidance without pressure.

A counselor at Abuse Counseling & Therapy smiles warmly during a supportive session with a client.

Emergency Shelter

Access emergency shelter in a secure, confidential location where you and your children can find sanctuary.

A woman sits on a bunk bed using her phone inside an Abuse Counseling & Therapy shelter.

Counseling

Process your experiences and rebuild your strength with specialized, trauma-informed therapy.

An Abuse Counseling & Therapy counselor listens supportively to a client during a session.
An abstract background of layered pink, purple, and orange papercut shapes for Abuse Counseling & Therapy.
Welcoming stick figures on a path represent the supportive community at Abuse Counseling & Therapy.

Support is available

ACT provides comprehensive care to anyone experiencing abuse, regardless of age, gender, race, or background.

24/7 Availability

An Abuse Counseling & Therapy support agent smiles while wearing a headset and working at her computer.

Our crisis hotline is answered by advocates every hour of every day. Help is never more than a phone call away.

Holistic Care

An Abuse Counseling & Therapy counselor reviews resources on a tablet with a client.

From legal advocacy to economic empowerment, we address all aspects of your journey toward independence.

Community Safe Net

A smiling woman reviews resources on a laptop with a counselor at Abuse Counseling & Therapy.

We collaborate with local healthcare, law enforcement, and social services to ensure you have a seamless support system.

Two figures hug in a crayon drawing, representing the supportive care of Abuse Counseling & Therapy.

Questions you may have

Navigating domestic violence is complex. Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about our services and your safety.

Pastel paper-cut speech bubbles and stars represent supportive dialogue at Abuse Counseling & Therapy.
A blue figure blows a green whistle surrounded by hearts and stars for Abuse Counseling & Therapy.

Thinking about reporting?

Reporting is one possible option. You may want to speak with an advocate before deciding what is safest or appropriate for you.

Confidential Only

A man gestures while speaking during a group support session at Abuse Counseling & Therapy.

Focus entirely on your emotional healing without involving authorities or creating official records.

  • Private trauma counseling
  • Support group connection
  • Safety planning assistance
  • Zero legal or medical reporting
Learn More

Medical Evidence

An Abuse Counseling & Therapy clinician listens compassionately to a patient during a consultation.

Document physical harm or sexual assault with specialized medical staff in a supportive environment.

  • Medical exams by specialists
  • Injury documentation
  • Evidence collection (if desired)
  • Support with medical follow-up

Legal Advocacy

An Abuse Counseling & Therapy counselor smiles supportively during a trauma-informed session.

Pursue protection through the civil or criminal justice system with an advocate by your side.

  • Injunctions for protection
  • Court accompaniment
  • Police report support
  • Referrals to legal aid

Know Your Rights

Download our comprehensive guide to legal options and survivor rights in Florida.

Learn More