Safe Place and Rape Crisis Center (SPARCC) announced today that an investigation by Florida State House Public Integrity and Ethics Committee has revealed a gross mishandling of funding by the Florida Coalition Against Domestic Violence. The ongoing investigation into the state program revealed exorbitant compensation payouts, abuse of state dollars, withholding of information, and breach of public trust. “We are gravely concerned to learn what has transpired at our State Coalition,” said Jessica Hays, President and CEO of SPARCC, “These are millions of dollars in misappropriated funds that could have gone directly to helping victims of domestic violence.” Although it receives funding from the FCADV, SPARCC is certified by the Department of Children & Families, the agency now tasked to oversee state funding for Florida domestic violence centers. Hays said she is grateful to legislative leaders, especially Rep. Margaret Good, who sits on the committee conducting the investigation, for working diligently to bring this injustice to light and for their continued efforts to ensure sound oversight of Florida’s 42 domestic violence centers. “We want to assure our community that we remain focused on serving survivors,” Hays said. “There will be no interruption of services as a result of this ongoing investigation.” Hays said the ongoing findings of this investigation do not reflect upon the life-saving programs and services provided by Florida’s domestic violence shelters. “We have all been betrayed by the outrageous actions of these individuals,” she said. “SPARCC fully supports this investigation. We want transparency and accountability.”

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