Last week, Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody announced a program “to help human trafficking and domestic violence survivors feel more secure at home” is expanding.
Moody launched Project Protect, which offers free doorbells to survivors of domestic violence and human trafficking, back in the spring.
“Project Protect provides doorbell cameras to survivors of domestic violence, human trafficking, stalking and sexual violence free of charge. When survivors are seeking protective injunctions against abusers at Clerks of Court offices, trained staff in Hillsborough and Martin Counties will now provide information about how to receive the doorbell cameras,” Moody’s office announced. “Informational materials about Project Protect will now be placed in Clerks of Court offices. Clerks of Court staff will connect survivors with local victim advocates who will help each survivor through the process of receiving the free doorbell cameras.”
“Survivors of horrific crimes such as human trafficking and domestic violence, face traumatic experiences and may be extra wary of strangers and fearful of their abusers coming back to revictimize them. I am launching Project Protect in Hillsborough and Martin Counties to help these survivors keep watch over who comes to their homes to provide additional peace of mind,” Moody said.
Moody announced last week that the program is expanding into Manatee and Hardee Counties,
“It is National Domestic Violence Awareness Month, and we are expanding an important program to help survivors feel more secure at home. Starting today, our Project Protect is available in Manatee and Hardee Counties, and survivors of domestic violence in these counties can now access free doorbell cameras to watch over their residences. Through this program, we can help survivors feel more secure and build a ‘Stronger, Safer Florida,’” Moody said.
County officials applauded the program’s expansion.
Hardee County Sheriff Vent Crawford said, “The Hardee County Sheriff’s Office is happy to partner with Project Protect. Together, we can break the cycle of domestic violence and provide safety within our homes and communities. Our agency is committed to bringing awareness where homes are free from fear.”
Manatee County Sheriff Rick Wells said, “Our primary goal is to help victims of domestic violence and stop this cycle of abuse. I applaud the attorney general’s initiative to protect victims and make them feel safer in their own homes.”
Hardee County Clerk of Circuit Court and Comptroller Victoria Rogers said, “My office looks forward to working with the Hardee County Sheriff’s Office and victim advocates in our area to educate survivors of domestic violence, sexual violence, stalking and human trafficking about the Project Protect program. This additional layer of protection is a welcome and valuable resource put forward by Attorney General Moody.”
Manatee County Clerk of Circuit Court and Comptroller Angel Colonneso said, “I want to thank Attorney General Moody and her office for launching this invaluable program and choosing Manatee County to participate. As Clerk, my office is sometimes the first line of defense for people affected by domestic violence, and we are grateful to be able to provide Project Protect as another layer of protection to help people affected by domestic violence feel safer at home.”
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