Shelter calls for transparency, accountability regarding FCADV investigation
February 26, 2020
The Shelter for Abused Women & Children takes the investigation of former Florida Coalition Against Domestic Violence (FCADV) CEO Tiffany Carr and FCADV leadership very seriously.
“We support the investigation and strongly encourage FCADV’s board to be transparent and to fully comply with the State of Florida’s request for information,” said Shelter CEO Linda Oberhaus. “Most importantly, we want all survivors in our communities to know that our doors are open and we continue to provide life-saving services. Anyone needing help should call our 24/7 domestic hotline at 239-775-1101.”
On Feb. 14, 2020, The Shelter issued a press release stating that an investigation by Florida State House Public Integrity and Ethics Committee had revealed a gross mishandling of funding by FCADV leadership. 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,” Oberhaus said. “These are millions of dollars in misappropriated funding that could have gone directly to helping victims of domestic violence.”
FCADV is an independent agency responsible for distribution of government funding to Florida’s domestic violence shelters. Funds are used to provide crisis hotline counseling, emergency shelter, safety planning, counseling and other services for victims of domestic violence and their children.
Although it receives some funding from the FCADV, The Shelter for Abused Women & Children is certified 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 Gov. Ron DeSantis and 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 or the quality of service as a result of this ongoing investigation.”
Oberhaus said the ongoing findings of this investigation have absolutely no relationship to or impact on the life-saving programs and services provided by The Shelter for Abused Women & Children.
“Basically, we have been betrayed by the outrageous actions of these individuals, most especially former FCADV executive director Tiffany Carr,” 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
