The Shelter for Abused Women & Children 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 and shocked at what we have learned,” said Linda Oberhaus, CEO of The Shelter for Abused Women & Children, “These are millions of dollars in misappropriated funding that could have gone directly to helping victims of domestic violence.”

Although it receives funding from the FCADV, The Shelter for Abused Women & Children is accredited by the Department of Children and Families, the agency now tasked to oversee state funding for Florida domestic violence centers.

Oberhaus said she is grateful to legislative leaders, especially Sen. Kathleen Passidomo, 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 the Naples community that we remain focused on serving our participants,” Oberhaus said. “There will be no interruption of services as a result of this ongoing investigation.”

Oberhaus said the ongoing findings of this investigation do not reflect upon the life-saving programs and services provided by Florida’s domestic violence shelters.

“Basically, we have all been betrayed by the outrageous actions of these individuals,” she said. “The Shelter fully supports this investigation. We want transparency and accountability.”

As Collier County’s only certified domestic violence center, The Shelter is leading the community to prevent, protect and prevail over domestic violence and human trafficking through advocacy, empowerment and social change. For more information, contact Communications Manager Kaydee Tuff at ktuff@naplesshelter.org or Linda Oberhaus at loberhaus@naplesshelter.org or go to www.naplesshelter.org