WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (WPEC) — For many survivors of domestic violence, speaking out is one of the most difficult steps they will ever take. Fear, stigma, and systemic barriers often keep victims silent—even when their lives may be at risk. One local organization, Aid to Victims of Domestic Abuse (AVDA), is working to change that by offering essential resources and support to those in need.
Rosie Johnson, spokesperson for AVDA Palm Beach, joined us to discuss the challenges survivors face and the expanding efforts to protect victims across Florida.
“Domestic Violence Is Often Treated as a Private Matter”
According to Johnson, one of the biggest obstacles for survivors is the societal belief that domestic violence is a private family issue—not something to discuss openly. “Unfortunately, there are many reasons why victims don’t speak up,” Johnson explains. “One of the biggest is that we treat domestic violence as a private family matter. It leaves a lot of victims feeling unheard or ignored.”
Johnson emphasizes that domestic abuse is fundamentally about power and control. When victims feel they cannot speak out, abusers often escalate their tactics.“The less a victim speaks out, the more the abuser tightens their control,” she says. “That can make the situation even more dangerous, and sadly, sometimes fatal.”
New Florida Law Requires Lethality Assessments
Law enforcement involvement can be a critical lifeline for those experiencing abuse. Johnson says a new Florida law is helping officers better understand the risks victims face…