Mission Statement:

At one time or another in our lives we all face a crisis situation. In addition to fear, rage, isolation, and confusion, many victims experience intense mental and physical distress.
Our mission is to lessen the trauma of being victimized. Help victims cope with the impact of crime and /or traumatic experiences. Assist victims in accessing appropriate support services in our community. Empower victims to become survivors. Provide an opportunity for community members to become more involved in dealing with the effects of crime. Educate community members and promote victim assistance in the Third Judicial Circuit.

Established in 1988 and incorporated as a non-profit organization, the program provides extensive services to victims and witnesses of personal injury crimes, i.e. domestic violence, sexual assault/battery, robbery, elderly abuse, child physical and sexual abuse, DUI, assault, battery, and to homicide survivors.

What is a Victim-Witness Counselor and, What services do they provide?  A Victim-Witness Counselor is a professional service provider who provide services to victims of crime. Typically they perform a variety of tasks that require an understanding of social, psychological, and legal principles, as well as clerical skills. They work in a very diverse array of settings.

• Notice of Court proceedings
• Assistance if you are intimidated, harassed, or afraid
• Advocacy and support with any problems that victims/witnesses may have as a result of a crime or court appearance
• Crisis intervention
• 24-hour emergency response
• Referrals to agencies
• Courtroom orientation and accompaniment
• Assistance in preparing Victim Impact Statements
• Explanation of the Criminal Justice System
• Information on the status of case
• Employer and creditor intervention
• Relocation assistance
• Community awareness regarding the needs of crime victims
• Emotional support and understanding of victimization
• Assistance in filing Crime Victim Compensation Claims

have the opportunity to have a defendant tested for HIV if there was a transmission of body fluids during the crime. It also designates a Victims Compensation Trust Fund to assist victims of violent personal crimes to pay for stipulated expenses they incur as a result of the crime.

Victims of crime or their lawful representatives, including the next of kin of homicide victims, are entitled to the right to be informed, to be present, and 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.

Florida Constitutional Amendment, Article I Sec. 16. Rights of accused and of victims
(a) In all criminal prosecutions the accused shall, upon demand, be informed of the nature and cause of the accusation against him, and shall be furnished a copy of the charges, and shall have the right to have compulsory process for witnesses, to confront at trial adverse witnesses, to be heard in person, by counsel or both, and to have a speedy and public trial by impartial jury in the county where the crime was committed. If the county is not known, the indictment or information may charge venue in two or more counties conjunctively and proof that the crime was committed in that area shall be sufficient; but before pleading the accused may elect in which of those counties he will be tried. Venue for prosecution of crimes committed beyond the boundaries of the state shall be fixed by law.

The Florida Attorney General's Division of Victim Services not only serves as an advocate for crime victims and victims' rights, it also administers a compensation program to ensure financial assistance for innocent victims of crime. As part of its responsibility, the division also notifies victims of the status of any appellate decisions regarding their cases.
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 is 1-800-226-6667. Tallahassee-area residents should dial 414-3300. In addition, victims may also contact the Division of Victim Services at (850) 414-3300.