Volusia domestic violence coalition leader says scandal may interrupt critical services

A state investigation into the Florida Coalition Against Domestic Violence has gained widespread support from directors at state domestic violence centers, who were unsettled by accusations that the organization misused of state and federal dollars.

The coalition, which administers funding to 42 state domestic violence centers including those in Volusia and Flagler counties, garnered the attention of Gov. Ron Desantis and state lawmakers after the Miami Herald and Tampa Bay Times raised questions over its former CEO's compensation.

Tiffany Carr, who resigned from her top position at the agency, was found to have received $7.5 million in compensation over a three-year span.

Desantis opened the investigation last week. The House also voted to the subpoena the group's board of directors and former president.

The scandal led the 26 directors at state domestic violence centers to send the governor a letter demanding the resignation of the organization's board of directors.

Angie Pye, executive director of the Beacon Center in Daytona Beach, raised concerns about the interruption in services that may occur at domestic violence centers throughout the state. The risk of funding delays, she stressed, could impact much-needed services, like counseling and emergency shelters.

"It could mean life or death for survivors in the state," she said.

She added that state standards require the quality of services to be consistent from center to center. With the coalition no longer monitoring the implementation of standards, she feared that the quality of one center may pale in comparison to another.

In Volusia County, a loss of services could have a detrimental impact on the community. The county has the sixth highest domestic violence rate in the state, Pye said. Last year, the Beacon Center alone served 631 individuals.

Pye noted that she was disturbed to learn that the coalition was not operating in the best interest of the victims. She said the accusations do not reflect the efforts of domestic violence centers.

"We operate with integrity and responsibility," she said. "There are so many good people that are doing this work for all the right reasons."

The Beacon Center offers emergency shelter, case management, support groups and referral services, among other free resources to victims. All services offered at the center are confidential.

With uncertainty looming over state domestic violence centers, Pye urged victims to continue to seek help.

"We want survivors to know our doors are open," she said. "We are still here."

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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