No one, not even someone you live with, has the right to hit you or threaten you with violence. There are laws to protect you. If you are being physically or sexually abused or threatened by a family or household member you may be a victim of domestic violence. You need not be married to the abuser or related to be protected under the law. Family or household member is defined as any spouse, former spouse, person related by blood or marriage, or any other household member who is or was living in the same household as you. In addition, the law also protects you from abuse by a person with whom you have a child in common. There is help! If you feel you are in immediate danger dial 911.

The Bay County Sheriff's Office Victim Advocate is available 24 hours 7 days a week to assist those in need. If you or someone you know are in a domestic violence situation please contact Victim Advocate, Chevina Guilford at (850) 248-2125 or (850) 747-4700 after 5pm.

InVEST

The InVEST program is sponsored by a grant through the Department of Children and Families (DCF).

For more information on BCSO's InVEST team, please contact Inv. Ryan Nelson or Inv. Tracy Withrow of the Criminal Investigations Division at (850) 747-4700, Monday through Friday, 8 am – 5 pm.

Protection from Domestic Violence

If you have been abused physically or sexually, or have reason to fear you may become a victim of domestic violence, Florida law enables you to file for a Petition for Injunction for Protection Against Domestic Violence; it explains your situation to the judge and tells the court from whom you need protection. An Injunction For Protection is a court document that states a particular person must not have contact with another person. You are eligible for an Injunction for Protection if you have lived with the abuser at some time and were recently the victim of abuse and/or threatened with abuse by the abuser. 

To file for an injunction you may apply, in person, at the Bay County Courthouse located at 300 E 4th Street, Panama City, Florida 32401. You may also E-file at the following Turbo Court website.

Domestic Violence Resources

Salvation Army 

Domestic Violence Program

1824 W 15th Street, Panama City, Florida 32405 

850-763-0706

24-Hour Crisis Line

Toll Free 1-800-252-2597

Rev 12/27/2024