Overview

The Victim Advocate Unit

The Victim Advocate Unit at the Alachua County Sheriff's Office has been operational since the fall of 1997. The Unit includes four full time Victim Advocates. Since the inception of the unit, staff positions have been funded with VOCA (Victims of Crime Act) grant dollars. The program offers advocacy and services to victims who report their crimes to the Alachua County Sheriff's Office. Those served include victims of child physical abuse, child sexual abuse, DUI crashes, domestic violence, elder abuse, survivors of homicide victims, stalking victims, robbery victims and assault victims. There is also an agreement with the Florida Highway Patrol and the Florida Game and Fish Commission to accompany these agencies on death notifications.

Services offered to victims include:

• Information on case status
• Information regarding the judicial process and victim's rights throughout this process
• Community resource information and referral services
• Accompaniment and support through criminal proceedings
• Ongoing emotional support to victims and their families
• Assistance filing an Injunction for Protection
• Assistance in filing for Crime Victim Compensation

All services are free and available whether or not an arrest has been made.

Crime Victim Compensation

The Office of the Attorney General offers financial assistance and referral services to eligible crime victims in the State of Florida.

Injured crime victims may be eligible for financial assistance for medical care, lost income, mental health services, funeral expenses and other out-of-pocket expenses directly related to the injury. If needed, they can also be referred to support organizations within their home area.

Victims wishing to apply for assistance, check on the status of their applications, or in need of any other assistance can contact the division toll free from anywhere in the United States.

The toll-free number for the Office of the Attorney General is 1-800-226-6667.

For assistance filing for Crime Victim Compensation locally, victims may contact the Victim Advocate Unit at the Alachua County Sheriff's Office at (352) 384-3317 or via email to Trauma Intervention & Special Services Bureau.