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The Victim Assistance Unit is available on
a 24/7 basis to respond to citizens needs in crisis.
Being the victim of a crime is not pleasant
to think about. In fact, it is not pleasant to have to go through,
but unfortunately it occurs. Victims of crime are sometimes young,
sometimes old, sometimes poor, but all victims sustain some type
of physical, emotional, or financial injury. All too often, this
injury is long-lasting. We at the Martin County Sheriff's Office
are particularly concerned, and we are committed to insuring the
rights of victims. The Sheriff’s Office has established a
Victim/Witness Program. Our goal is to meet the needs of victims
of crime, and reduce the trauma they have experienced. We want to
help! The overall objective of the Victim/Witness Assistance Program
is to assist victims and witnesses of crime or tragedy, and their
families, in returning to the level of functioning they had prior
to the offense or tragedy in as smooth and timely manner as possible.
This Unit is also responsible for death notifications
and responds to calls for service regarding natural deaths and suicides
as needed.
YOUR RIGHTS AS A VICTIM OR WITNESS:
We realize that for many persons, being a
victim or witness to a crime is their first experience with the
criminal and juvenile justice system. As a victim or witness, you
have certain rights within the system. For further information regarding
these rights please call the appropriate law enforcement agency
handling your case.
WHO IS ELIGIBLE?
Victims of crime always need the support of
their families and friends to help them deal with the trauma of
victimization. Sometimes this support is not sufficient, or additional
help or information is needed. Victim and Witness assistance is
available to any citizen of Martin County, or any victim or witness
of a violent crime committed within the county.
THE BASIC VICTIMS' BILL OF RIGHTS under Florida
Statute 960
As a victim of a crime you have the following rights or remedies
under Florida Statute 960:
1. In some cases, victims (or their relatives
where the victim is deceased) may be eligible for financial compensation
from the State of Florida. Information regarding eligibility may
be obtained from the law enforcement agency or from the Bureau of
Crimes Compensation, Office of the Attorney General 1-800-226-6667,
or the State Attorney's Office.
2. The right to receive information on available
crisis intervention services and local community services to include
counseling, shelter, legal assistance, or other types of help, depending
on the particular circumstances.
3. The right to receive information regarding
the role of the victim in the criminal or juvenile process, including
what the victim may expect from the system as well as what the system
may expect from the victim.
4. The right to be informed, present, and
heard when relevant, at all crucial stages of a criminal or juvenile
proceeding, to the extent the right does not interfere with the
constitutional rights of the accused.
5. The right to request and receive restitution.
For additional information on FL Statute
960, please contact your local Victim/Witness Program. Because We
Care! 772-220-7178
IMPORTANT PHONE NUMBERS
EMERGENCY:
Police, Fire & Medical 911
Law Enforcement Agencies and Emergency Numbers:
Martin County Sheriff's Office 772-220-7170
Stuart Police Dept. 772-287-1122
Sewall's Point Police Dept. 772-781-3378
Jupiter Island Police Dept. 772-546-4444
Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) 772-287-2015
Florida Dept. of Law Enforcement 1-800-738-4635
FBI 772-461-6142
Phone Numbers for Assistance:
Martin County Sheriff's Office Victim Advocate 772-220-7178
Safe Space Domestic Violence Shelter 772-288-7023
Abuse Hotline 1-800-962-2873
Victim Compensation Program 1-800-226-6667
State Attorney Victim Advocates 772-288-5646
Martin County Courthouse 772-288-5400
Injunctions/Clerk of Courts 772-288-5720 (Mon-Fri)
Important Links:
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