Press Release

DOH-Monroe County Hosts Domestic Violence Prevention Training Seminar

July 7, 2026 2 min read

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The training, held on June 9, 2026, brought together nearly 50 community members and professionals.
Domestic Violence Prevention Training Group Picture.jpg – Attendees of DOH-Monroe’s Domestic Violence Prevention Training Seminar gather with guest speaker Elisa Levy (front row center) following the June 9, 2026 training, in Key West.
For media inquiries: Jennifer Lefelar • Jennifer.Lefelar@FLHealth.gov • 305-434-5413

Monroe County, Fla. – The Florida Department of Health in Monroe County (DOH-Monroe) recently conducted a free Domestic Violence Prevention Training Seminar at the DoubleTree Resort by Hilton Hotel Grand Key in Key West. The training, held on June 9, 2026, brought together nearly 50 community members and professionals.

The seminar, led by a guest speaker specializing in domestic violence awareness, focused on helping community members learn how to recognize the signs of abuse and how to support individuals who may be experiencing violence. Participants were guided through practical tools, current data, and local resources aimed at strengthening community response and prevention efforts.

Key takeaways from the training included:

  • Understanding and using the Power and Control Wheel and related tools, which help victims and community professionals recognize, educate, and prevent patterns of physical and sexual violence
  • Improved ability to identify red flags that indicate someone may be in an abusive relationship, including discussion of relevant data and statistics
  • Guidance for professionals on what to do if they suspect a client is experiencing domestic or intimate partner violence
  • A step-by-step guide on how to respond to a disclosure of abuse, including how to support the development of a safety plan and connect individuals with local resources

The training also offered information on how to talk to someone who may be in danger of abuse, how to provide resources, and how to access community support services for those experiencing violence.

Help is available for anyone experiencing domestic violence. Individuals may contact one of the resources listed below:

  • Local Domestic Abuse Shelter Hotline 305-743-4440, text hotline 305-240-0105
  • And Florida Domestic Violence Hotline call or chat: 800-500-1119 or TTY: 711

“DOH-Monroe extends its appreciation to all attendees for their commitment to strengthening community awareness and prevention of domestic violence across Monroe County,” said Ivona Coleman, community health improvement manager, DOH-Monroe.

DOH-Monroe acknowledges the support of DoubleTree Resort by Hilton Grand Key – Key West for generously providing the meeting venue and audiovisual equipment that helped make this training possible.

For more information about future trainings or available local resources, please contact DOH-Monroe@FLHealth.gov.

Domestic Violence Prevention Training Group Picture
Domestic Violence Prevention Training Group Picture.jpg – Attendees of DOH-Monroe’s Domestic Violence Prevention Training Seminar gather with guest speaker Elisa Levy (front row center) following the June 9, 2026 training, in Key West.