For Victims
Find helpful resources on restitution, victims' rights, grief counseling, legal aid, and 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 your local 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)
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 victim services directory 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.
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 Department of Children and Families’ Office of Domestic Violence is responsible for providing oversight on initiatives designed to intervene and prevent domestic violence and support survivors and their families. Visit the Office of Domestic Violence website to find information on domestic violence services in your local area. If you have reason to believe that your computer is not secure, you may wish to use a computer in another location to which your abuser does not have access. You can also call the Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-500-1119.
- 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 the exploitation of men and women, adults and children, foreign nationals and United States citizens for financial gain, and is criminalized under Florida, federal, and international law. Child victims of human trafficking are commonly exploited by involvement in the commercial sex trade or by participation in various abusive labor situations, such as forced domestic servitude, agricultural work, or traveling sales crews. Learn more about human trafficking here [insert link for DJJ HT page https://www.djj.state.fl.us/human-trafficking-intervention. To report potential trafficking of a child, call the Florida Child Abuse Hotline at 1-800-96-ABUSE (1-800-962-2873) and your local law enforcement agency. For resources related to potential trafficking of an adult, contact local law enforcement or the National Human Trafficking Resource Center Hotline at 1-888-3737-888.
- 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 Office for Victims of Crime provides victims’ rights information and assistance in the aftermath of crime.
- Florida Legal Services 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.
- 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.