Mission
Statement:
The mission of the Domestic Abuse Council, Inc. is to
end domestic violence in our community.
Purpose
The purpose of the Domestic Abuse Council, Inc. is
to provide emergency shelter, victim advocacy, transitional
housing, support/education groups for victims, information
and referral services, case management, residential
and community programs for child witnesses of domestic
violence, legal advocacy, community education and professional training.
History
 The Domestic Abuse Council, Inc. began in 1976 when a
task force on battered women was formed by a small group
of individuals concerned with the issues of domestic violence.
They offered a 24-hour crisis hotline and emergency shelter
through a motel, which provided one night relief for victims
of family violence. In 1979, the Domestic Abuse Council,
Inc. opened the first emergency shelter for battered women
and their children in Daytona Beach. In 1988 the Domestic
Abuse Council, Inc. opened the first transitional housing
complex for homeless women with children in Daytona Beach.
In 1991 an additional transitional housing program opened
in Daytona Beach. In 1997 and in 1999 a third and fourth
transitional housing program opened in DeLand. The programs
are called “Second Choice”. Our Transitional
Housing Programs are funded through grants with the Department
of Housing and Urban Development and local sources. Residents
from our emergency crisis shelters may be eligible for these
programs.
In 1993 the Domestic Abuse Council, Inc. began its shelter
based education and prevention program for children. The
“Hugs & Love” program assists all children
who enter the emergency shelter programs with case management,
safety assessments and advocacy.
In 1996, the Domestic Abuse Council, Inc. received VOCA
(Victims of Crime Act) funding which allowed us to start
the Domestic Violence Advocacy Program. Victims of domestic
violence receive assistance, advocacy and support through
the injunction process.
In June of 2002 the Domestic Abuse Council, Inc. purchased
a 19,500 square foot facility situated on 6.5 acres of
land. The acquisition of this facility was partially funded
by the 2001 Capital Improvement Grant Funds through the
Department of Children and Family Services. By September
of 2002 the Domestic Abuse Council, Inc.’s administrative
office, outreach offices and emergency shelter had all
relocated to this new facility.
In October
of 2002 the Domestic Abuse Council, Inc. received Legal
Assistance for Victims Grant funding, from the Violence
Against Women Office and hired an attorney. The attorney
is available to assist victims with legal representation
through the injunction for protection process.
In March of 2005 the Domestic Abuse Council, Inc. opened
the DAC Thrift Shop to assist the agency in generating funds.
Victims from the emergency shelter may, free of charge,
obtain necessary items from the thrift store, which is located at 949A Beville Rd., South Daytona. The shop is opened Monday-Saturday and donations are accepted between 10:30AM-4:00PM.
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