65H-1.011. Definitions

For the purposes of this rule chapter, the following definitions apply:

(1) “Administrator” means the full-time employee who is responsible for the overall operation and day-to-day management of a certified domestic violence center.

(2) “Advisory Board” means a group of individuals whose purpose is to make recommendations to the board of directors regarding the operation of the domestic violence center, if the board of directors does not directly oversee that operation.

(3) “Board of Directors” means a legally constituted group of individuals whose function is to oversee operations of a certified domestic violence center either directly or through an advisory board.

(4) “Certification” means the Department’s formal recognition that a domestic violence center meets the minimum standards set forth in section 39.905, F.S., and these rules.

(5) “Competency-based Core” means specialized knowledge and skills for the effective performance of domestic violence advocacy activities.

(6) “Dating Violence” as defined in Section 784.046, F.S.

(7) “Department” means the Florida Department of Children and Families, an employee of the Department, or a designated agent of the Department.

(8) “Domestic Violence” as defined in Section 741.28, F.S.

(9) “Domestic violence advocate” means an employee or volunteer of a certified domestic violence center who: provides direct services to individuals victimized by domestic violence; has received 30 hours of domestic violence core competency training; and, has been identified by the domestic violence center as an individual who may assert a claim to privileged communications with domestic violence victims under Section 39.905, F.S.

(10) “Domestic violence center” means an agency that provides services to victims of domestic violence as its primary mission and is certified under these rules.

(11) “Evaluation” means a process of reviewing the administrative and programmatic components of a certified domestic violence center to ensure compliance with minimum standards as set forth in this rule chapter and Section 39.905, F.S., and, if applicable, as stipulated in contract.

(12) “Participant” means a person who receives services from a certified domestic violence center.

(13) “Privilege” means confidential communications, including any related records, made between a person seeking or receiving services from a certified domestic violence center and the domestic violence advocate.

(14) “Provider” means an agency that provides services to victims of domestic violence and is an applicant for certification or certified under Section 39.905, F.S., and these rules.

(15) “Shelter” means a facility that provides temporary emergency housing to victims of domestic violence and their dependents.

(16) “Victim” means the spouse, ex-spouse, co-habitant in an intimate relationship, or individual who shares a child in common with a batterer who has perpetrated an act, alleged act, or attempted act of violence against them for the purpose of exercising power and control. The victim may also be an individual who has or had a dating relationship with the batterer.

(17) “Volunteer” means unpaid staff members trained in the dynamics of domestic violence who provide direct and indirect services to those seeking and receiving services from a domestic violence center.

Rulemaking Authority 39.903 FS. Law Implemented 39.905 FS. History–New 11-30-09, Amended 5-4-20.