Q. October is National Domestic Violence Awareness Month. What role does the clerk’s office have in providing services for victims of domestic violence?
A. Clerks assigned to our Family Law division support victims of domestic violence by processing petitions for injunctions. In 2022, 382 injunctions were filed with our office. For calendar year 2023, from January to August, 253 injunctions were filed. Our office provides these services year-round and even has an on-call clerk to process injunctions after hours.
Q. What types of injunctions does the clerk’s office provide?
A. Our office provides injunctions for domestic violence, repeat violence, dating violence, sexual violence, and stalking violence. Forms and instructions are available on our website. Victims are encouraged to use the Florida Domestic Violence Hotline, 1-800-500-1119, for support, advocacy, and assistance finding shelter.
Q. How can the clerk’s office help you file a Petition for Injunction?
A. During normal working hours, a Petition for Injunction can be filed with the clerk’s office. Once the forms are completed, the clerk will file the petition and notify the judge’s office. The judge may enter a Temporary Injunction and a Notice of Hearing will be entered or set for hearing without a Temporary Injunction. You can learn more about filing an injunction by calling our Family Law division at (904) 819-3674 or emailing: injunctions@stjohnsclerk.com.
Q. How does the clerk’s office recognize victims of domestic violence?
A. Our office, along with several other local organizations collaborated in 2022 to complete the St. Johns County Memorial Garden. It was created to remember those in our community who have suffered at the hands of others and to offer families and friends a safe, serene place to find comfort and healing. The St. Johns County Memorial Garden is the centerpiece of the judicial complex courtyard with a memorial plaque to victims and survivors of violence. It’s a place for courthouse visitors and staff to pause and reflect.
Q. What is the best way for residents to contact you?
A. Residents can call my office at (904) 819-3601 or my cell at (904) 599-8688. My email address is BPatty@stjohnsclerk.com. Many of your questions can be answered and many services are provided, such as paying traffic citations or searching records, by visiting our website, www.stjohnsclerk.com.
