Our Services

Serving Victims of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault

Haven of Lake & Sumter Counties, Inc., was established in 1977 to meet the needs of domestic violence victims. In the 30+ years of existence, Haven has expanded its base of services and today provides comprehensive, unduplicated services to victims of domestic violence and sexual violence. Our primary objectives are to provide these victims with alternatives to abuse or life-threatening situations, and empowerment to establish a violence-free life.

Please visit these pages for more information on these free services offered by Haven.

ALL Haven services are provided FREE of charge.

Warning Signs of Domestic Violence

Physical or sexual violence may occur without warning. Sometimes, however, there may be signs or "red-flags" that serve as warnings that abuse may occur. The following are examples of a person's behavior or personality that might warn that a person may abuse.

If you answer yes to one or more of the questions, you may be in an abusive relationship or be at risk for it. It is recommended that you speak with a domestic violence counselor with Haven at (352) 753-5800, about your "yes" answers.

____ Does your partner tease you in a hurtful way in private or in public?

____ Does your partner call you names such as "stupid" or "bitch"?

____ Does your partner act jealous of your friends, family, or co-workers?

____ Does your partner make fun of you, your friends, or your activities?

____ Does your partner get angry about the clothes you wear or how you style your hair?

____ Does your partner check-up on you by calling, driving by, or getting someone else to?

____ Has your partner gone places with you or sent someone just to "keep an eye on you"?

____ Does your partner insist on knowing who you talk with on the phone?

____ Does your partner blame you for his problems or his bad mood?

____ Does your partner get angry so easily that you feel like you are "walking on eggshells"?

____ Does your partner hit walls, drive dangerously, or do other things to scare you?

____ Does your partner often drink or use drugs?

____ Does your partner insist that you drink or use drugs with him?

____ Have you lost friends or no longer see some of your family because of your partner?

____ Does your partner accuse you of being interested in someone else?

____ Does your partner take your personal belongings and keep them in order to get you to do something you do not want to do?

____ Does your partner dare you to do things you would not normally do?

____ Does your partner challenge you to prove your love or loyalty?

____ Does your partner get drunk or high in order to punish you?

____ Does your partner force you to have sex when you do not want to?

____ Does your partner force you to have sex in ways that you do not want to?

____ Does your partner threaten to kill you or himself if you leave?

____ Is your partner like "Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde", acting one way in front of other people and another way when you are alone?

NON-DISCRIMINATION POLICY
No person shall, on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, or disability be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to unlawful discrimination under any program or activity receiving or benefiting from federal financial assistance and administered by the Department.

NON-RETALIATION POLICY
No person shall be retaliated against, harassed, intimidated, threatened, coerced or discriminated against for making a charge, testifying, assisting or participating in any manner in an investigation, proceeding, or hearing; or for opposing alleged unlawful discriminatory practices prohibited by state and federal laws.

Auxiliary Aids/Interpreters
Auxiliary aids or language interpreters will be available for use by clients and potential clients with impaired sensory, manual or speaking skills in each phase of the service delivery process (e.g., telephone inquiries, requests, intake interviews, service delivery, counseling, complaints, testing, treatment, and training, etc.) This service will be at no cost to the client.