In the past, when a victim of domestic violence went to Court to obtain an Injunction for Protection, or to attend a hearing in their domestic case (i.e., paternity, divorce, etc.), they were forced to be in the same waiting room as the violent offender, and were often in a courtroom with many other people discussing the very personal aspects of their lives in front of strangers. This process was intimidating for many people, and often times, a victim of domestic violence would not speak up because of the way the court proceedings were set up. As of January, 2007, Orange County has revamped their proceedings so the parties wait in separate rooms and do not have to face one another until the are in the courtroom. Additionally, the proceedings will be private and will no longer have the "cattle call" feel of the past, to provide the parties with the privacy and attention that their cases deserve. This system is still working out its kinks, but seems to be a step in the right direction.
To read more about the changes being made in Orange County, see the following: http://www.orlandosentinel.com/orl-dv2407mar24,0,2539145.story?coll=orl-home-headlines
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