Victim Services - Pinellas County Sheriff's Office

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Victim Services
Sheriff’s Message No one wants to be a victim of a crime, but the fact remains that we are all potential victims. Crime knows no age or economic boundaries. Being a crime victim is traumatic, and sometimes the rights and needs of the victim are overshadowed by the notoriety given the criminals. The Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office Victim Advocate Unit is committed to ensuring the rights of victims and reducing the trauma of victimization. Victim Advocates assist crime victims from the time of the crime and as their case progresses through the criminal justice system. Advocates provide crisis intervention, assistance with filing crimes compensation, criminal justice information and social service referrals. Our Victim Advocate Unit has been the model for many other successful programs across the state and nation. Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office Victim Advocates dedicate their expertise to ensure the interests of crime victims are not forgotten in the criminal justice process.
Crisis Intervention In the Pinellas County Sheriff’s jurisdiction, a Victim Advocate may be called to the scene by law enforcement to assist victims of crime and/or their families, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Victim Advocates respond to meet the immediate needs of the victim and their family.
Support Services Due to the trauma of victimization experienced by many victims, Advocates are available to help victims rebuild their lives. The Victim Advocate staff is available to explain victim’s rights and options, and to help victims navigate the criminal justice process and social service system. In some cases, the Advocates may accompany victims to court and other crime related appointments.
Information & Referrals The Victim Advocate staff works closely with local social service agencies to secure the services necessary to alleviate the physical, emotional and financial impact of crime. Referrals are made on the basis of the victim’s specific needs. Typical referrals are made for short and long term counseling, abuse shelters, emergency food, shelter, medical, crime prevention and legal aid.
Helpline: www.211tampabay.org	Area Agency on Aging: http://www.agingcarefl.org/	CASA www.casa-stpete.org
The Haven: www.rcspinellas.org	Family Service Centers: www.familyservicecenters.org	Help A Child: www.helpachild.org
Clerk of Court homepage: http://www.pinellasclerk.org/aspInclude2/ASPInclude.asp?pageName=index.htm
Clerk of Court Injunction Info, this site includes forms, instructions and video: http://www.pinellasclerk.org/aspInclude2/ASPInclude.asp?pageName=domestic.htm
Pinellas County Social/Health & Human Services: http://www.pinellascounty.org/humanservices/default.htm
Additional Services Advocates help victims in gathering documentation and filing for Crimes Compensation claims which may cover medical and mental health costs, funeral bills, wage loss, property loss and loss of support.
Advocates also aid victims in preparing restitution documents and victim impact statements to be presented in court. Link to Crime Compensation: http://myfloridalegal.com/pages.nsf/Main/B371D29EBE5C97748525749C00518B58 Link to Abuse Hotline: http://www.dcf.state.fl.us/abuse/ Florida Abuse Hotline: 1-800-96-ABUSE
Victim’s Rights The Florida Constitution guarantees that victims of crime, including the next of kin of homicide survivors, are entitled to certain basic rights, including but not limited to, the right to be informed, to be present, to be heard when relevant at all crucial stages of criminal proceedings, to the extent that these rights do not interfere with the constitutional rights of the accused. The Victim Rights Act of 1988 further insures that victims: Be informed about the availability of Crimes Compensation and other victim services. May submit a victim impact statement. Be protected from intimidation. May seek restitution from the offender. The Unit Supervisor can be reached at 582-6259.