Domestic Violence in Miami: Help and Hope for Survivors
Dana Hahn, program manager of Shalom Bayit at Jewish Community Services of South Florida, explains how to recognize domestic abuse and highlights the resources available to help survivors regain safety and independence.
Domestic violence is a serious reality affecting families across South Florida. While many people associate abuse with physical aggression, it can also take the form of emotional manipulation, financial control, threats, and digital surveillance.
Dana Hahn, a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) and program manager of Shalom Bayit, a domestic abuse assistance program at Jewish Community Services of South Florida (JCS), emphasizes that someone can experience abuse without ever being physically assaulted.
In an interview with Go Latinos Media, Hahn explained that these behaviors share a common pattern: one partner uses power and control to gradually limit the other’s freedom and independence.
Fear and Financial Dependence Make Leaving Difficult
In Miami-Dade County, the high cost of housing has become one of the biggest obstacles for survivors trying to escape abusive relationships.
According to Hahn, many survivors lack financial resources, fear losing custody of their children, or face threats related to their immigration status.
Technology has also introduced new forms of abuse, with smartphones, social media, and location-tracking devices increasingly used to monitor and intimidate partners.
Leaving an abusive relationship is rarely a simple decision. For many survivors, it requires time, professional support, and a carefully developed safety plan.
Shalom Bayit: Helping Survivors Rebuild Their Lives
To address these challenges, Jewish Community Services of South Florida provides confidential, personalized assistance through its Shalom Bayit program.
The organization offers individual counseling, safety planning, legal guidance, and case management to help survivors access housing, employment, and essential community resources.
When funding is available, the program also provides emergency financial assistance for necessities such as rent, food, utilities, and transportation.
Children affected by domestic violence can also receive therapeutic support to help them cope with emotional trauma.
The program focuses on helping survivors regain confidence, rebuild independence, and move toward safer futures without pressure or judgment.
One Phone Call Can Make a Difference
Hahn encourages friends, relatives, and coworkers to support survivors by listening without judgment, respecting their decisions, and maintaining regular contact.
Survivors do not need to be ready to leave an abusive relationship to seek help.
Anyone experiencing domestic abuse can contact Shalom Bayit confidentially at 305-576-1818.
A specialized case manager will assess their immediate safety and needs, explain available services, and help determine appropriate next steps.Through its compassionate work, JCS demonstrates that survivors in Miami do not have to face domestic violence alone. With professional guidance, practical resources, and ongoing support, rebuilding a safer, more independent life is possible.*
Learn more: JCS Shalom Bayit Domestic Abuse Program.
If you are in immediate danger, call 911.
