Alachua County Sheriff's Office

Victim Advocate Unit

WINNER OF THE 2002 GOVERNOR'S PEACE AT HOME AWARD
IN THE AREA OF CHILDREN'S SERVICES.

The Victim Advocate Unit at the Alachua County Sheriff's Office is a grant-funded position that has been operational since the fall of 1997. The unit includes two full-time Victim Advocates and a Victim Advocate Volunteer Coordinator.

Victim Services

Services offered to victims include:

• 24 hour response crisis counseling 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
• Assistance in filing for Crime Victim Compensation
• Crime compensation funds may be available for medical treatment, dental treatment, counseling services, lost wages and emergency funds.

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. In addition, victims may also contact the Division of Victim Services at (850) 414-3300. Locally, victims may contact the Victim Advocate Unit at the Alachua County Sheriff's Office at (352) 384-3317 or email Tiffany Watts-Chestnut at twatts@alachuasheriff.org.