The Victim Advocate Program began in 1998 through a grant from the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) in conjunction with the Florida Attorney General's Office,
Victims of Crime Act (VOCA). The program involves a full-time coordinator and six volunteers. It was formed to meet the needs of citizens of New Smyrna Beach who become victims of crime, and to survivors of those who have lost their lives due to a violent act. The volunteers also assist victims of disasters, accidents, and social issues.
The Advocates are on call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to respond to the scene, hospital, or police station if they are needed immediately. They provide crisis intervention, transportation to domestic violence shelters or the Rape Crisis Center, or to make death notifications. If an Advocate's services are not needed on an immediate basis, they do follow up work on appropriate daily police reports.
View
Victim Advocate Program Brochure for additional details.
View
Bureau of Victim Compensation