BRADENTON, Fla. — In recognition of October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month, the Manatee County Clerk’s Office is reminding residents that it serves as a resource to those directly and indirectly affected by domestic violence throughout the year.
Every day, the Manatee County Clerk’s Office works with local law enforcement agencies and organizations across the state to help survivors achieve justice and safety for themselves and their families by acting as their advocate and support system.
“We approach these cases with the seriousness and urgency they deserve and are committed to assisting victims with sensitivity and discretion,” said Manatee County Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller Angel Colonneso. “When there is domestic violence, a person often feels alone and isolated, and we want anyone experiencing domestic violence to reach out to us.”
According to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, 1 in 3 women and 1 in 4 men have experienced some form of physical violence by an intimate partner, with more than 120,000 cases of domestic violence reported last year in Florida alone.
The Manatee County Clerk’s Office is an invaluable resource for information regarding domestic violence, providing violence protection packets and instructions for completion. Throughout the entire process, from filing reports to ensuring victims are connected with advocate programs, the Manatee County Clerk’s Office maintains confidentiality and discretion.
For more information on how the Manatee County Clerk’s Office helps with domestic violence issues, contact Melanie McKeever, Violence Protection Supervisor or visit www.manateeclerk.com.
About the Manatee County Clerk’s Office
The Florida Constitution established the Clerk of the Circuit Court & Comptroller as a public trustee, independently elected to protect public funds and public records while executing the functions of Clerk of the Circuit Court, County Comptroller, Treasurer and Auditor, Clerk of the Board of County Commissioners and County Recorder. The Clerk oversees a staff of more than 275 people, responsible for performing nearly 1,000 constitutional or statutory functions or duties, representing the broadest and most diverse mantle of responsibility of any locally elected official. The citizens of Manatee County elect the Clerk of the Circuit Court & Comptroller to a term of four years. Currently, Angelina M. Colonneso serves as the Clerk of the Court. For more information, call 941-749-1800 or visit www.manateeclerk.com.