Nonprofit urges people to reach out as Cassie Carli case sheds light on domestic violence

The disappearance of 37-year-old Cassie Carli has brought light to the dangers of domestic violence as a search by the Santa Rosa County Sheriff's Office came to a devastating end April 2.

A foundation to help domestic violence victims was created in Carli's name, and one area nonprofit that provides services for people in similar situations urges anyone in need to reach out.

Carli was reported missing after she failed to return from a March 27 meeting with her ex-boyfriend, Marcus Spanevelo to exchange custody of their 4-year-old daughter at Navarre Beach, according to the Santa Rosa County Sheriff’s Office.

Foundation formed:Cassie Carli Foundation forms to help domestic violence victims find safe housing

Search comes to an end:Cassie Carli's remains found in shallow grave in Alabama; ex-boyfriend will be charged

Her remains were found six days later buried in a shallow grave at a barn in Alabama. Spanevelo was arrested April 2 in Tennessee on charges of tampering with evidence, giving false information concerning a missing persons investigation and destruction of evidence.

Court records indicate there had been a history of domestic-related cases between Spanevelo and Carli dating back to 2018 when she filed a domestic violence injunction in Okaloosa County.

Spanevelo is arrested:Cassie Carli's ex-boyfriend arrested in Tennessee on charges related to her disappearance

Domestic violence rises in 2021:Northwest Florida domestic violence victims seeking help in aftermath of COVID-19 pandemic

Records show the injunction was temporarily granted, but dismissed about a month later. The two had been in a custody battle since 2019, and Carli was raising funds to hire a new lawyer, according to a GoFundMe page created last year.

On the page, Carli wrote that Spanevelo had been abusive in their relationship and uncooperative during his bi-monthly visitations with their daughter.

"When I ended my relationship with him, and he no longer had control of my mind, his web of lies and deceit spread like a wildfire," she wrote. "He filed dozens of false police reports. He call(ed) CPS so many times, I nearly came to know most of the staff by name."

Sharon Rodgers, executive director of Safe Connections — a nonprofit that provides supervised visitation and monitored exchanges for families dealing with abuse or domestic violence — said it was heartbreaking to know that Carli was not referred to the organization.

“It’s been hard because it’s what we do and the fact that I don’t know why they didn’t send them to us,” Rodgers said. “But I want to find out and I want to re-educate the judges and lawyers and make sure that they know.”

Rodgers said she has seen several people sharing similar experiences on social media after news of Carli's death. The reactions made her realize just how many parents are unaware of the nonprofit’s services and have highlighted a lack of resources in the Navarre area.

“To us, that’s the worst case scenario,” Rodgers said of Carli’s death. “It’s what we’ve been working for so long to avoid, and just this last year we’ve lost two young women, that I know of. It’s just horrible. It is sad and it’s just unnecessary.”

The nonprofit, which has been around for nearly 25 years, has locations in DeFuniak Springs, Crestview and Fort Walton Beach. Rodgers said it has expanded based on need, and she hopes to bring services to Navarre by the end of summer.  

“That was how we started, was because of the need. That’s always been the way we’ve grown in everything we’ve done,” she said. “Now we’re feeling that again with Navarre.”

Most people are referred to Safe Connections through the court system. The services often become necessary when one parent is being uncooperative or manipulative, Rodgers said. About 80% of their clients experience domestic violence or abuse.

“They get into court because parents, when they’re exchanging the children, they’re arguing, fighting in front of the children,” she said. “One of them is manipulating things. Not showing up. Bringing the girlfriend. Things that they know are going to make the other person mad.”

The nonprofit provides a safe place to do custody exchanges or visitations. The facility is divided between two areas so that parents never have direct contact with one another. Staff also check for weapons or drugs, and ensure neither parent is intoxicated or acting unusual.

“They’re never alone with the child and they never have exposure to the other parent,” Rodgers said of visitations. “Right away that solves a lot of problems because they don’t have that animosity and anger. It’s not just that. It can be extremely dangerous.”

The facility eliminates dangers that can sometimes arise while navigating domestic situations, such as manipulation by changing the time and place of the meeting, she said. Bringing along a friend or family member can enhance safety, but not always.

“For the less serious cases that may work,” Rodgers said. “A lot of cases we’ve gotten, they tried that first and the person was still violent in front of the other person or toward the other person.”

The visitation facility also eases problems such as an unsafe home environment, and offers chances for families to heal through parenting classes and more.

“We just really want good visits to happen. We’re trying to heal things and make things as good as possible," Rodgers said. "But realistically, we are doing some reports and we do have some people who will do something bad.”

Staffers take note of any indications of domestic violence or other issues that may be occurring. If one parent is not following the set rules or is not showing up, it is documented and can be used in court.

“That makes a big difference. No more feeling weak in court because nobody believes you,” Rodgers said. “If they’re afraid, we make sure that there’s no possibility of any control of them or manipulation. We might change the times they leave if someone is afraid they’re being followed.”

The staff also refers victims to other services in the community such as Shelter House, a nonprofit that provides shelter, intervention and primary prevention programs for victims of domestic and sexual violence.

“People do come with tons of problems, and we can’t solve them all,” Rodgers said. “So we are very connected to the rest of the help community. We can get them resources for housing, for food — definitely Shelter House.”

Rodgers said she encourages anyone who is experiencing domestic violence or abuse to use a supervised visitation center.

She also recommends using the school system as a drop-off and pickup method to prevent contact between parents during custody exchanges. Apps like the TalkingParents Family App also help keep communication secure.

“Never put yourself in a vulnerable situation of being alone, being in a dark place,” Rodgers said. “If they call us, we’d be happy to talk to them and walk them through what we can offer and other solutions I’ve seen over the years that might work for them.”

The nonprofit plans to hold a fundraiser to help expand services to Navarre at a date to be decided. Anyone who needs services or would like to donate can reach out by calling 850-609-1850.