Our Services

Our services include the following: Crisis Intervention, Emergency cell telephone, Follow-up contact, Information and referral, Personal advocacy, Victims compensation claims assistance, Death notification.

Who is a Victim?

A victim is a person who suffers direct or threatened physical, psychological, or financial harm as a result of the commission or attempted commission of a crime or delinquent act or against whom the crime or delinquent act is committed.

The term victim includes the victim's lawful representative, the parent or guardian of a minor, or the next of kin of a homicide victim, except upon a showing that the interest of such individual would be in actual or potential conflict with the interests of the victim.

Your Constitutional Rights as a Victim of a Crime

In Florida, victims of crime have constitutional and statutory rights. The following pamphlet downloads provided by the Indian River County Sheriff's Office is a summary of your constitutional rights pursuant to Article I, Section 16 of the Florida Constitution.

When citizens become involved with law enforcement, the court system or other agencies as a victim, they may need assistance, dealing with a variety of emotions or have questions regarding the process. Our office has a Victim Services program to help with short-term crisis intervention, referrals to community agencies and with filing victim compensation claims.

Summary of your Constitutional Rights

  • To preserve and protect your right to achieve justice, ensure a meaningful role throughout the criminal and juvenile justice systems
  • To have your rights and interests respected and protected by law
  • To due process, fair treatment and respect for your dignity
  • To be free from intimidation, harassment, and abuse
  • To be reasonably protected from the accused and any person acting on behalf of the accused within the judicial process
  • To have the safety and welfare of you and your family considered when selling bail and pretrial release conditions