Pasco County Opens Private Rooms for Domestic Violence Cases

The Pasco County Clerk & Comptroller's Office opened private Empowerment Rooms at two courthouses to help residents file cases involving domestic violence, sexual violence, substance abuse, and mental health matters.

The rooms are located on the second floor of the Robert D. Sumner Judicial Center in Dade City and on the first floor of the West Pasco Judicial Center in New Port Richey, adjacent to the Civil counter.

Clerk & Comptroller Nikki Alvarez-Sowles created the spaces after observing courthouse visitors in crisis. "We have victims of domestic violence who are visibly battered. They are looking over their shoulders because they are in fear," Alvarez-Sowles said. "I wanted to create a space for our customers where they can feel safe, they can be calm and, most importantly, empowered."

Staff trained in sensitive cases assist visitors in filing protective orders or seeking court intervention for family members with addiction or mental health crises. The rooms operate during regular courthouse hours.

Residents can contact the Clerk's Office at either judicial center or visit pascoclerk.com for more information.