Linda Oberhaus addresses impact of FCADV investigation
NBC-2 News
Friday, March 6th 2020, 1:51 PM EST by
Victims of domestic violence often have nowhere to run from an abusive partner or relative — that’s where shelters and shelter services step in.
But for years in Florida, millions of dollars in state funding was secretly funneled away from victims and into the pockets of higher-ups at the Florida Coalition Against Domestic Violence, according to an official complaint filed by Attorney General Ashley Moody.
“I am disgusted at the mismanagement and misuse of public funds meant to help the survivors of domestic violence and their children recover,” Moody said in an announcement Wednesday.
For years, the non-profit had a special contract with the Department of Children and Families to help spread state funding to 42 certified shelters across the state — until CEO Tiffany Carr was discovered to have traded in unwarranted amounts PTO for cash, the complaint states. Gov. DeSantis signed a bill last week stripping the agency of its special status in state law.
Now, DCF is suing FCADV and seeking more than $30,000 in damages.
Court filings show Carr obtained more than $7.5 million over three years while domestic violence shelters and survivors around Florida suffered significant funding shortages.
Carr, who held her position at FCADV for 10 years, gave herself more than a year of paid-time-off several years in a row, and instead of using the time, cashed it in for monetary gain, the complaint states. She also gave incentives, salary increases, bonuses and more to herself and several others, according to the complaint.
The lawsuit, which names Carr, the organization’s chief operating officer and chief financial officer, and each of the board of directors, also claims the state was deliberately misled about how funding was being handled. It also states how Carr and other management refused to turn over information when the state requested documentation.
“The recent revelations regarding the Florida Coalition Against Domestic Violence are alarming and disturbing,” said Gov. DeSantis. “The Coalition’s deliberate abuse of state dollars, inexcusable lack of transparency and calculated breach of public trust is untenable.”
Her financial finagling totaled $7,514,748.48. Of that, PTO payouts totaled $3,707,866.21, the complaint states. Eleven other executives of FCADV are listed on the lawsuit as well for their part in the money schemes.
A Collier County domestic violence shelter is included in the list of 42 shelters who experienced the ripple effects of the extensive financial corruption. The Shelter for Abused Women and Children in Naples had no idea this was happening.
“They did have a very closely-knit board of directors who operated mostly in private — so we never really knew what was happening within that group,” said shelter CEO Linda Oberhaus. “Many if not all of us were pretty shocked by the news and what we heard. Obviously, our immediate concern would be funding because of the scandal that’s happening in Tallahassee.”
In 2018 and 2019, the shelter reported relying on federal and state grants for 24% of their funding.
“We just want to ensure that funding contracted to shelters around the state through FCDAV is not delayed because that really would impact vital services to victims of domestic violence and their children,” Oberhaus said.
Vital services include 24-hour crisis hotlines with a full staff, emergency shelter services, outreach offices and services like safety planning, support and counseling for people living in violent households.
DCF announced in late Feb. they are assuming operational and financial control, and will competitively rebid for services in the next 12 to 18 months, a promise by DCF and politicians which Oberhaus said is comforting during this time of transition.
“We will continue with our efforts to ensure those involved are held accountable for their actions, while also ensuring that survivors are being provided with proper care and support,” Gov. DeSantis said.
While men experience domestic violence just as much as women but don’t report at the same rates, mostly women come into domestic violence shelters for protection, according to Linda Oberhaus, CEO of Shelter for Abused Women and Children in Collier County.
“Oh at least 98% or 99% women, ” Oberhaus said.
What’s most notable about the whole scandal is who perpetrated the betrayal. In the era of “Me Too” and “women supporting other women,” all of the 12 executives listed in the lawsuit are women.
“We don’t typically see — in my opinion — [corruption] out of groups like this: feminist-based groups who genuinely care about saving the lives of women and children,” Oberhaus said. “I think that’s what makes it so shocking — it’s such a devastating crime to know that corruption occurred by women, and we’re supposed to be women helping women.”
Where to Find Help
- The Shelter For Abused Women & Children 24/7 Hotline: 239-775-1101; Office: 239-775-3862
- The National Domestic Violence 24/7 Hotline: 1-800-799-7233
- CCSO: 911 for emergencies; non-emergencies: 239-252-9300
- LCSO: 911 for emergencies; non-emergencies: 239-477-1000.
© Copyright 2020 WBBH/WZVN (Waterman Broadcasting). All rights
