Guiding Survivors Through the Realities of Litigation
Victims’ Safe Harbor Foundation combines trauma-informed advocacy, survivor-centered support, and strategic legal representation for individuals navigating domestic violence and complex family law matters.
Legal Representation
Litigation Strategy
Pro Se Consulting
Judicial Terrorism® Advocacy
About Our Firm
Our Legal Team Delivering Trusted Client Protection
Assisting victims of domestic violence and/or child abuse by providing the needed expertise and resources to achieve a safe, healthy, and happy future that is free from the terror of ongoing abuse and violence.
A future in which survivors have the expertise, resources, and support necessary to live safely and free from ongoing abuse, including abuse carried out through the judicial system.
VSHF combines legal advocacy, interdisciplinary research, education, and a trauma-informed understanding of domestic violence, child abuse, coercive control, and litigation.
Need Our Services?
Call: (689) 248-4162
Service Area
Florida Statewide
Email Us
Info@victimssafeharbor.org
After two years of getting nowhere in a high-conflict divorce with an abusive spouse who constantly escalated conflict and used the legal process to create chaos, I finally hired Victims' Safe Harbor. It was one of the best decisions I could have made.
If I could give Victims’ Safe Harbor Foundation (VSHF) 100 stars, I absolutely would!If you don’t read anything else in this review, please read this: choosing VSHF to represent you will likely be one of the best decisions you ever make for yourself and your children. You will not regret it.
Victims safe harbor has been a saving grace for me. Dr Donna King was my fourth advocate in my divorce battle. If it wasn’t for her and her compassionate understanding and wide knowledge of being a DV victim and how to help me at a time when I was struggling, I would have lost my case and everything else.
My experience with VSHF was excellent. I was a victim of DV in 2023 and was provided their information by law enforcement officer to contact for assistance. I went into their office the very next day and was interviewed by Mr. King, who provided guidance on my next steps.
Dayton and his team were very helpful in navigating a very uncomfortable and stressful time. I would recommend anyone seeking help in a domestic violence situation to reach out.
Our Attorneys
Meet the Team Standing With You
Our team pairs legal experience with firsthand knowledge of domestic violence and family law, so you get more than representation — you get advocates who understand what you’re facing and are committed to protecting your safety and your rights.
Executive Director and Attorney
Director of Legal Services and Attorney
Director of Marketing and Attorney
Practice Areas
Practice Areas Rooted in Family Law and Survivor Advocacy
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
What services does VSHF provide?
VSHF provides direct legal representation, Pro Se Legal Consulting, and Legal Consulting Sessions for Florida matters involving domestic violence injunctions, dissolution of marriage, and paternity. We also provide Attorney Consulting concerning domestic violence and related litigation issues.
What types of family law matters does VSHF handle?
VSHF assists with Florida domestic violence injunctions, dissolution of marriage, and paternity matters involving domestic violence, coercive control, or related abuse dynamics. The availability of a particular service depends on the circumstances of the matter and VSHF’s capacity.
Does VSHF assist men who experience domestic violence?
Yes. VSHF assists eligible survivors of domestic violence and abuse regardless of gender, subject to our intake process, available services, and capacity to accept the matter.
What is Pro Se Legal Consulting?
Pro Se Legal Consulting provides legal guidance, strategy, and behind-the-scenes support while the client continues to represent themselves. VSHF does not file a Notice of Appearance or become counsel of record through this service.
Does VSHF provide consulting services for attorneys?
Yes. VSHF provides Attorney Consulting for lawyers seeking guidance concerning domestic violence, coercive control, abuse dynamics, and related litigation issues.
Are VSHF’s legal services free?
No. Although VSHF is a 501(c)(3) social impact organization, we are not currently grant-funded to provide free individual legal services, so clients are responsible for the cost of the services they receive.
How much do VSHF’s services cost?
Costs depend on the service requested and the circumstances of the matter. Any applicable retainer, hourly rate, or session fee will be explained before a prospective client decides whether to retain VSHF.
What happens after I contact VSHF?
Our team will review the information submitted and may contact you for additional details or to schedule an initial consultation. Submitting an intake form does not create an attorney-client relationship or guarantee that VSHF will accept your matter.
How does VSHF communicate with clients?
We strive to communicate with clients promptly and consistently through telephone calls, text messages, and email. Although immediate responses cannot always be guaranteed, responsiveness is an important part of the service we provide.
What if VSHF cannot accept my case or I cannot afford its services?
Our Survivor and Community Resources page provides links to legal aid organizations, domestic violence organizations, self-help information, and other resources that may be able to assist. Inclusion of a resource does not guarantee eligibility, availability, or acceptance of a matter.
What experience does VSHF have with domestic violence litigation?
Our team has experience with complex and prolonged litigation between survivors and their abusers, including matters in which litigation may be used to continue coercive control after separation. These cases often require close attention to patterns of conduct, extensive histories, and detailed records.
Why does VSHF accept a limited number of cases?
VSHF intentionally maintains a limited caseload so that our team can provide the preparation, responsiveness, and individualized attention these matters often require. Domestic violence litigation is rarely simple or straightforward.
Does VSHF collaborate with other professionals?
Yes. When appropriate, VSHF collaborates with qualified experts, consultants, attorneys, other law firms, and outside resources to address our clients’ legal needs thoroughly and holistically.
What is Judicial Terrorism®?
Judicial Terrorism® describes the dynamic created when an abuser uses the judicial system and litigation as a means of continuing domestic violence and coercive control. Learn more about Judicial Terrorism® and VSHF’s educational work.
Where can I find VSHF’s nonprofit filings?
VSHF’s publicly available Form 990 filings and other nonprofit information can be accessed below.
