The victim advocate services are both victim-centered and trauma informed.
The goal of the unit is to ensure that victims of crime are treated with fairness, respect and dignity by providing assistance and services to them in an effort to lessen the impact of crime. The unit is comprised of a Lead Victim Advocate supervising four victim advocates who respond to victims of crime reporting to the Sheriff’s Office, along with an Internship Program staffed with interns from the college community who assist in service delivery. In addition, unit staff act as community ambassadors by creating partnerships with local agencies, teams, coalitions and task forces to ensure comprehensive, coordinated service.
Services offered to victims include:
- 24-hour on-call crisis intervention
- Outreach to victims of crime and ongoing emotional support to victims and their families
- Liaison between the victim and detective during the investigation
- Victim Rights Information
- Link to community resources and provide information and referral services
- Information, accompaniment and support with civil and criminal proceedings when requested
- 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.
Important Documents for Victims of Crime
- ACSO Constitutional Rights for Crime Victims Brochure – English Version
- ACSO Constitutional Rights for Crime Victims Brochure – Spanish Version
- Victim Compensation – English Version
- Victim Compensation – Spanish Version
- Sexual Battery Victim Rights and Services – English
- Sexual Battery Victim Rights and Services – Spanish
- Notice of Legal Rights and Remedies for Victims of Domestic Violence, Dating Violence, Repeat Violence and Stalking – English
- Notice of Legal Rights and Remedies For Victims of Domestic Violence, Dating Violence, Repeat Violence and Stalking – Spanish
Internships
The Victim Advocate Unit utilizes interns from several colleges and universities. Interns are designated hours to complete by their sponsoring professor for the Fall, Spring, or Summer semesters. The internship program is unpaid. The application process and background check takes approximately 4 to 6 weeks to complete, so start early to have paperwork completed before the semester begins.
For applications or questions concerning the Victim Advocate Unit’s Internship Program, please call (352) 367-4193. Volunteer opportunities are also available.
Crime Victim Compensation
The Office of the Attorney General offers financial assistance and referral services to eligible crime victims in the State of Florida. 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 their injuries.
To apply for assistance, check on the status an application, or for any other assistance, the toll-free number for the Office of the Attorney General is 1-800-226-6667, or you can visit their website: http://myfloridalegal.com
Local assistance in filing for Crime Victim Compensation is also available through the Victim Advocate Unit at the Alachua County Sheriff’s Office at (352) 367-4199.