Domestic violence wreaks havoc on families. Each year, 10 million people nationwide are physically abused by a partner. It is a serious, dangerous crime and often we find out that it is happening to a friend or loved one after it is too late.
With many Floridians staying home more during the pandemic, the opportunity for domestic violence escalates. Please know that help is available. If you or someone you know is suffering from domestic violence, or if you know someone that is in a dangerous relationship, reach out and call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1(800) 500-1119.
The Florida Coalition Against Domestic Violence website, FCADV.org, contains information and tips on remaining safe and making escape plans. It also hosts a map of all certified domestic violence centers in Florida.
To access the Florida Department of Children and Families’ domestic violence resources, including tips for bystanders to help victims in need, batterer intervention information and other material, click here.
There are caring people ready and willing to help. Advocates can be reached 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. You are not alone.
By working together to stop domestic violence and strengthen families, we will build a Stronger, Safer Florida.
In The News
AG Moody recognizes October at National Domestic Violence Awareness Month, Washington County News
Ashley Moody, State AGs Obtain Judgment in Community Health Systems Data Breach Investigation, Florida Daily
Attorney General Moody Announces Enhanced Multistate Agreement with Opioid Manufacturer Mallinckrodt, Space Coast Daily
Ashley Moody: Florida Part of Multistate Agreement with Opioid Manufacturer Declaring Bankruptcy, Florida Daily
NASCIO names winners of State Technology Innovator Awards, State Scoop
Protecting Floridians
Attorney General Moody Announces Enhanced Multistate Agreement with Opioid Manufacturer Mallinckrodt as it Enters Bankruptcy
Attorney General Ashley Moody announced an improved, amended agreement between state attorneys general, local subdivisions, opioid manufacturer Mallinckrodt, its subsidiaries and certain other affiliates. Under the enhanced agreement, MNK will pay $1.6 billion into a trust as described below as part of a pre-packaged bankruptcy along with providing the states and other governmental entities additional consideration. MNK is currently the largest generic opioid manufacturer in the United States. MNK and certain affiliates filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in Delaware on Sunday to effectuate the amended settlement.Attorney General Ashley Moody said, “The enhancements to this already strong, global agreement will ensure more money flows to states more quickly to stop the death and destruction brought on by the national opioid crisis. As Florida’s Attorney General, I have made it my mission to combat this deadly crisis destroying Florida families. I am proud to secure this amended agreement with the country’s largest opioid manufacturer. By holding Mallinckrodt accountable for its role in exacerbating the opioid crisis, we move closer to our goal of ending this epidemic and bringing relief to the Florida communities affected.” Read More
Attorney General Moody Takes Action Against Window Installation Company for Deceptive and Unfair Business Practices
Attorney General Ashley Moody took court action against Home Performance Alliance, Inc. for deceptive and unfair business practices in the sale of windows to consumers. The consent judgment and complaint, filed in Hillsborough County and subject to court approval, requires HPA to pay $90,000 in civil penalties, $75,000 of which are classified as senior penalties for actions that are alleged to have victimized or attempted to victimize senior citizens. The agreement also acknowledges that HPA voluntarily provided more than $700,000 to consumers in the form of refunds, payment forgiveness and lien releases.Attorney General Ashley Moody said, “My office is committed to holding irresponsible contractors accountable when they take advantage of Floridians, particularly our seniors, by utilizing high-pressure or misleading sales practices. I urge all Floridians to guard against this type of scam by reviewing all written materials carefully before signing anything or contracting with any business.” Read More
Attorney General Moody Secures More Than $11 Million to Address Ocwen Mortgage Servicing and Foreclosure Issues
Attorney General Ashley Moody is securing more than $11 million in relief for Floridians harmed as a result of Ocwen’s alleged improper mortgage servicing practices. The proposed final consent judgment, pending adoption by the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida, resolves the lawsuit brought by the state of Florida through the Attorney General’s Office and the Office of Financial Regulation against Ocwen Financial Corporation, Ocwen Mortgage Servicing, Inc., Ocwen Loan Servicing, LLC and PHH Mortgage Corporation.The agreement between Florida and Ocwen will provide at least $8.6 million in consumer relief, including $2.1 million to Floridians who were harmed as a result of Ocwen’s alleged servicing failures, including untimely payments of borrowers’ insurance premiums, improper imposition of lender-placed insurance and overcharging for property preservation inspections. Other benefits obtained for Florida borrowers include at least $1 million in mortgage loan modifications and approximately $5.5 million in late fee waivers for eligible borrowers. Ocwen will also pay more than $3 million in civil penalties and reimbursement for the Attorney General Office’s fees and costs.
Attorney General Ashley Moody said, “This resolution is a continuation of our efforts to correct harmful deficiencies in mortgage servicing practices and ensure that distressed homeowners who have been impacted by servicing errors receive much-needed relief—relief that is especially important in these challenging times.” Read More
Events
This week, Attorney General Ashley Moody’s Chief Information Officer and Director of Information Technology Douglas Smith was honored by the National Association of State Chief Information Officers as one of three winners to receive the State Technology Innovator Award. Smith led the effort to onboard an innovative approach for modernizing the entire IT application portfolio using cloud-based technologies, the first major entity in Florida to do so.
Attorney General Moody thanks Smith for his innovative service to the team members of the agency and citizens of the state of Florida. For more information about the recognition, click here.
