For Victims

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Find out how to use the new site.

Find helpful resources on restitution, victims' rights, grief counseling, legal aid, and more.

Click on a subject to find out more.

Who should a victim contact regarding restitution?

The Juvenile Probation Officer (JPO) is responsible at the intake phase to contact the victim to gather information on loss, harm, and damage in order to determine restitution amounts. This information is used to provide recommendations to the court. If restitution is ordered and the youth fails to comply with the payment of restitution, the JPO must inform the court of the non-compliance. The JPO can either file an affidavit, through the State Attorney, alleging a violation or request a Judicial Review Hearing for the purpose of determining the circumstances for the lack of restitution payments. All specific questions regarding restitution should be directed to the JPO or the State Attorney’s Office.

To contact the JPO in your area, visit the Supervisory Contact information page.

Department of Juvenile Justice Policies regarding victims’ rights

The Department of Juvenile Justice shall ensure that victims of juvenile crime are afforded all rights as enumerated in the Constitution of the State of Florida and Florida Statutes, Chapter 960, and Chapter 985. It is the intent of the Department that all victims be treated with respect and provided with all required information and notifications under the law.

Victims of crime or their lawful representatives, including next of kin of homicide victims are entitled 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.

More specific information regarding victims’ rights, notification procedures, and definitions is available at the Florida Department of Juvenile Justice Policies pertaining to victim rights. (Policy 3400)

Attorney General—Division of Victim Services

The Florida Attorney General’s Division of Victim Services is dedicated to helping those who have fallen victim to crimes. One way they assist is by providing a resource guide that can help you find support services in your area.

The toll-free number for the Division of Victim Services is 1-800-226-6667. In addition, victims may also contact the Division of Victim Services at (850) 414-3300.

You may also go directly to Crime Victims’ Services page which includes information on what the law provides, what your rights are, and how to file for compensation.

Crime Prevention Resources

Bullying

There is a national initiative to Stop Bullying that provides information about recognizing warning signs, getting help, suggestions for prevention, knowing the risk factors, and other helpful information for victims.

Drunk Driving

Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) provides resources and support for families and victims to address underage drinking. You for more specific help, you can find a local MADD office or call 877.ASK.MADD (877.275.6233).

Domestic & Sexual Violence

The Florida Coalition Against Domestic Violence contains information on understanding the cycle of domestic violence. It also links families to the nearest local certified domestic violence center as well as other resources. You can also call their hotline at 1-800-500-1119.
The Abuse, Rape and Domestic Violence Aid and Resource Collection provides a resource guide for victims of sexual battery, domestic violence, and abuse. Find information on counseling services, civil remedies, victims’ rights, restitution, protection orders, and a variety of other resources available throughout the state.
Find information on Florida’s sex offender laws, registration requirements, offender searches, public safety, and victim information at the Florida Department of Law Enforcement website.
Teen dating violence is more common than many people realize. Find out about this type of abuse, and discover what you can do to help.
Help protect your child, family, friends, and community by actively preventing sexual violence!

Human Trafficking

Human trafficking is a form of modern-day slavery where people profit from the control and exploitation of others. Victims of human trafficking include children involved in the sex trade (prostitution), adults age 18 and older who are coerced or deceived into commercial sex acts, and anyone forced into different forms of "labor or services," such as domestic workers held in a home or farm-workers forced to labor against their will. To learn how recognize and report suspicions, visit the Department of Health Services website.

Grief Support and Advocacy

Everyone struggles with the loss of a loved one or a traumatic experience, but children grieve differently than adults. Get informed on how to help your child through the grieving process.
The National Organization of Parents of Murdered Children (POMC) offers assistance and links to many resources for families and friends who have lost their loved ones to violence. The toll-free number for POMC is 888-818-POMC (888-818-7662).
Compassionate Friends offers assistance to families and friends who have experienced the loss of a child by connecting them with local resources that providing support, understanding and healing. Call toll-free: 1-877-969-0010.
The National Center for Victims of Crime is one of the leading resource and advocacy organizations for helping crime victims rebuild their lives.
The Office for Victims of Crime provides victims’ rights information and assistance in the aftermath of crime.

Legal Guidance

Florida Legal Aid is a statewide support center that assists families who cannot afford an attorney obtain legal guidance in their area.
The Florida Department of State provides information and links to legal resources for people who cannot afford an attorney.
The Florida Bar Association lawyer referral service can provide names and phone numbers of lawyers in your area who handle specific types of legal issues.
Find the contact information for the Clerk of the Court in your area.
Find a State Attorney’s Office that is in your area.