Victim Services Division
The State Attorney’s Office began offering services to victims in 1981. The need for victim services was recognized and funded by the Boards of County Commissioners in Martin, Indian River, Okeechobee and Saint Lucie Counties long before the Victim Rights Amendment to the Florida Constitution passed in 1988. With the support of the County Commissioners and Indian River State College, services were offered to victims of sexual assault initially. However, over the years, these services have been extended to victims of all crimes.
Victim Assistance Program
Advocates are assigned to each Prosecution Division in the State Attorney’s Office (Felony, Misdemeanor and Juvenile). These Advocates assist victims when their cases are presented to the Office for prosecution. The Advocates ensure (1) that victims are kept informed about the status of their cases, (2) that victims are at all court hearings if they wish to attend (3) and that victims are allowed to give input and express how the crime affected their lives.
Other services include assistance in filing for Crimes Compensation, transportation to court hearings, assistance with employers and creditors, referrals to appropriate community resources for services needed.
CIVIL RIGHTS FACTS
In accordance with federal law and U.S. Department of Justice policy, this organization is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, age, or disability.
To file a complaint of discrimination, contact or write Office for Civil Rights, Office of Justice Programs, U.S. Department of Justice, 810 7th Street, NW, Washington, DC 20531 or call 202-307-0690 (Voice) or 202-307-2027 (TDD/TYY). Individuals who are hearing impaired or have speech disabilities may also contact OCR through the Federal Relay Service at 800-877-8339 (TTY), 877-877-8982 (Speech), or 800-845-6136 (Spanish). Or contact the Department of Legal Affairs, PL-01 The Capitol, Tallahassee, Florida, 32399, or call 850-414-3300.
FLORIDA CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT, ARTICLE I SECTION 16(b)
Victims have certain rights under the law. In 2018, the voters of Florida passed “Marsy’s Law” which amended Article 1 Section 16(b) of the Florida Constitution to expand the rights of Crime Victims in Florida. Below is a link to the full text of the amendment.
To help protect these rights, the State Attorney’s office has a Victim Advocate Program. Click here to download a copy of the Victims Rights Brochure which explains the court process and offers some resource information.
Notices of public proceedings can be found on the Clerk’s website:
Links To Victim Resources
Victim Service Volunteer Program
Sexual Assault Assistance Program of the Treasure Coast
