October marks National Domestic Violence Awareness Month, a time when communities unite to support survivors, educate families, and work toward ending intimate partner violence. For families in Collier and Lee counties, knowing where to turn for help can be life-saving. This guide compiles critical domestic violence resources in Southwest Florida to ensure no one faces abuse alone.
Domestic violence affects people of all backgrounds, ages, and economic levels. It includes not just physical violence but also emotional, psychological, financial, and sexual abuse. One in four women and one in nine men experience severe intimate partner physical violence in their lifetime, according to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence. But there is hope—and help is available.
If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, call 911. For non-emergencies, these national and local resources offer confidential support, safety planning, and practical assistance.
Immediate Help: Crisis Hotlines
- National Domestic Violence Hotline
- 800-799-7233 (SAFE)
- Available 24/7 with trained advocates providing crisis intervention, safety planning, information, and referrals.
- Florida Domestic Violence Hotline
- 800-500-1119
- Confidential support available around the clock.
- RAINN Sexual Assault Hotline
- 800-656-4673 (HOPE)
- National sexual assault hotline with trained staff.
Local Resources in Southwest Florida
Collier County
- Naples Shelter for Abused Women & Children
- 24/7 Crisis Line: 239-775-1101 | Admin: 239-775-3862 | TTY: 239-775-4265
- naplesshelter.org
- Services include emergency shelter at two locations (Naples and Immokalee with 60 beds each), individual and group counseling, injunction assistance, court advocacy, hospital accompaniment, and a kennel for pets. All services are confidential and free.
- Project Help
- Helpline: 239-262-7227 or 800-329-7227
- projecthelpnaples.org
- Provides specialized support for sexual assault survivors. Available 24/7.
- Collier County Sheriff’s Office – Domestic Violence Section
- Office: 239-252-0090 (8 a.m.-5 p.m., M–F) | After Hours: 239-252-9300 | Emergency: 9-1-1
- Email: blake.rising@colliersheriff.org
- Provides law enforcement assistance and victim services.
- Collier County Clerk – Domestic Violence Division
- 3315 Tamiami Trail E., #102, Naples | 239-252-2646
- collierclerk.com
- Assistance with injunctions for protection and legal paperwork.
Lee County
- Abuse Counseling & Treatment (ACT)
- 24-Hour Hotline: 239-939-3112
- actabuse.com
- ACT operates emergency shelters in Fort Myers (73 beds), Cape Coral (23 beds), and Hendry County (19 beds) providing safe havens for domestic violence victims and their children.
- Lee County Sheriff’s Office – Victim Advocates
- 239-477-1000 | Para español: 239-477-1678
- sheriffleefl.org
- Provides a wide range of services to victims of domestic violence and violent crimes.
- Lee County Clerk of Court – Injunction Services
- 239-533-5000
- leeclerk.org
- Free assistance in filing injunctions for protection.
Additional Support Services
Basic Needs Assistance
- Salvation Army
- 239-775-9447
- naples.salvationarmyflorida.org
- Offers food, clothing, and emergency assistance.
- Eva’s Closet
- 239-339-3216
- evas-foundation.org
- Provides clothing and household items to those in need.
- Helps Outreach
- 239-593-3226
- helpsoutreach.org
- Offers various community assistance programs.
- Beverly’s Angels
- 239-404-2082
- beverlysangels.org
- Emergency assistance and support services.
Legal and Advocacy Support
- Victim Services Information Referral Line
- 800-226-6667 (English/Español)
- TDD (TTY) Users – Florida Relay Service: 800-955-8771
- Legal Aid Service of Collier County
- 239-775-4555
- collierlegalaid.org
- Free legal assistance for qualifying individuals.
- Lee County Legal Aid Society
- 239-334-6118
- leecountylegalaid.org
- Legal support for domestic violence survivors.
Educational & Advocacy Organizations
- Florida Partnership to End Domestic Violence
- 800-500-1119 | TTY: 711
- fpedv.org
- Statewide advocacy and education organization.
- University of South Florida Harrell Center
- 813-974-7832
- health.usf.edu
- Research and education on family violence prevention.
- WomensLaw.org
- 800-799-7233
- womenslaw.org
- Legal information and resources for abuse survivors.
- National Electronic Network on Violence Against Women (VAWnet)
- 717-461-3939
- vawnet.org
- Research and information clearinghouse.
Safety Planning Resources
Creating a personalized safety plan is crucial—whether you’re in an abusive relationship, planning to leave, or have already left. These plans help protect you and your children. For more information, contact:
- Naples Shelter for Abused Women & Children
- Florida Department of Children and Families
- National Domestic Violence Hotline
Financial Independence Resources
Understanding financial abuse and rebuilding economic stability are vital for leaving an abusive relationship. Resources include:
- Securing housing
- Protecting pets during relocation
- Accessing free or low-cost transportation
Specialized Resources
- National Child Abuse Hotline
- 800-422-4453
- childhelphotline.org
- For situations involving child abuse and neglect.
- Tribal Law and Policy Institute
- 323-650-5467
- home.tlpi.org
- Specialized resources for Native American communities.
- MyFlorida.com – Domestic Violence
- myflfamilies.com
- State-specific information, statistics, and resources.
Warning Signs Parents Should Know
Domestic violence often affects entire families. Children who witness abuse may display changes in behavior, academic performance, or emotional regulation. Warning signs in teens might include:
- Controlling relationships
- Unexplained injuries
- Sudden personality changes or social withdrawal
Parents should engage in age-appropriate conversations about healthy relationships, respect, and consent to help protect children from becoming victims or perpetrators.
How Our Community Can Help
Domestic Violence Awareness Month is also about building a community where survivors feel safe and supported. Here’s how families can make a difference:
- Educate yourself and others about signs of abuse and available resources
- Share resources with friends, family, and on social media
- Support organizations like ACT and The Naples Shelter for Abused Women & Children through donations or volunteering
- Create safe, non-judgmental spaces for others to seek help
- Advocate for survivor-friendly policies and accountability measures
Remember: You Are Not Alone
Abuse is never your fault, and you deserve to live free from fear. The organizations listed here are staffed with trained professionals who understand the complexities of domestic violence and can help you navigate your options safely.
Recovery and healing are possible. With the right support system and resources, survivors can rebuild their lives and create the safe, healthy futures they deserve.
For immediate danger, always call 911. For confidential support and safety planning, the 24-hour Naples Shelter crisis line at 239-775-1101 is always available.
If you or someone you know needs help, don’t wait. Reach out today. Every call matters, every person deserves safety, and every step toward getting help is an act of courage.