The mission of the Florida Coalition Against Domestic Violence (FCADV) is to create a violence free world by empowering women and children through the elimination of personal and institutional violence and oppression against all people. FCADV provides leadership, advocacy, education, training, technical assistance, public policy and development, and support to domestic violence center programs.

HISTORY

In 1977, a small group of 14 shelters in Florida formed a network of battered women’s advocates known as the Refuge Information Network. Several years later, this initial organization was incorporated as the Florida Coalition Against Domestic Violence.  The Coalition, like the Network, was founded on principles of cooperation and unity among shelters. FCADV serves as the professional association for the state’s 42 certified domestic violence centers, and is the primary representative of battered women and their children in the public policy arena.  Members share the goal of ending domestic violence through community education, public policy development and services for victims.