Victim Assistance

The Sarasota County Sheriff's Office Victim Assistance Unit offers Victim Advocates to meet the needs of victims of crime or witnesses to a tragic event. Advocates seek to provide support and information, which many people need in the aftermath of a trauma. Our advocates also assist families experiencing a sudden, traumatic death such as the death of a loved one from suicide, overdose, or traffic accidents. Our advocates are available Monday – Friday from 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. We assist victims of crime throughout Sarasota County, regardless of which law enforcement agency may be handling your case. All services are free and do not require a law enforcement report. (Please note: We are mandated to report instances of child abuse, abuse of a vulnerable adults and elder abuse.)

An advocate can provide:
  • Crisis intervention 
  • Emotional support
  • Information on your role in the criminal justice system
  • Accompaniment through the criminal justice system
  • Personal advocacy
  • Assistance filing injunctions for protection
  • Assistance filing for victim compensation
  • Assistance with property return
  • Practical assistance
  • Community information and referrals
Victim Advocate Contact Information:
Victim Advocate – Main Line: 941.861.4942

Victim Notification Programs
The State of Florida and the United States Department of Homeland Security offer automated notification systems to advise citizens of status changes of certain inmates, as part of their commitment to victims of crime.

Florida VINELink will notify registrants of status changes of inmates within Florida's 67 county jails and offenders under Florida Department of Corrections jurisdiction.

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) allows eligible victims and witnesses who register on this site to obtain reliable and timely information regarding a criminal detainee's release from custody.

Reactions to Trauma and Victimization

In the initial aftermath of a trauma, the most intense time is often within the first 8 weeks and may occur periodically as certain events bring reminders, such as court, anniversaries, and life events. Those who experience a traumatic event endure a wide variety of reactions which can last hours, days, weeks, or months. Working with a Victim Advocate to process these reactions, identify coping skills, and gather the information you may need, can be helpful in navigating your way through this time. Everyone's level of impact is unique and so are the ways in which people deal with the impact.

For those victims who wish to seek mental health counseling, Victim Advocates can provide referrals to community-based counseling agencies and determine whether or not you may be eligible for Victim Compensation which may assist in paying for out-of-pocket mental health counseling expenses.

Victim Compensation

The Office of the Attorney General, Bureau of Victim Compensation provides the Crime Victim Compensation program. This program provides certain areas of reimbursement for certain types of crimes. Only those expenses directly related to a crime will be considered for payment and all benefits have dollar limitations, subject to change without prior notice, and may require certain types of documentation. Victim Advocates can assist you in understanding whether you qualify and review eligibility requirements as well as assist you in filing the application and tracking your claim status.

The Florida Criminal Justice System

For many victims of crime, this is their first interaction with the criminal justice system. There are many questions that may come up about the steps within this system and your role as the victim. Victim Advocates can assist you in understanding the steps of the criminal justice system, your role, and your rights as a victim. Victim Advocates can also accompany you through court-related appointments and proceedings related to the victimization. We may also be able to assist you with transportation if it is needed (case load permitting). Victim's rights are part of the Florida Statutes under Chapter 960, entitled Victim Assistance.

Homicide Bereavement Support Group

The Sarasota County Sheriff's Office Victim Assistance Unit hosts the local Homicide Bereavement Support Group (HBSG), which is free and available to all members of the community, regardless of when or where their loved one was murdered. HBSG is not a therapy group; it is a compassionate support group that can relate to your experience, share practical ideas on how to live with the grief process, and provide you with support on this unexpected journey. Meetings are held Quarterly the 2nd Thursday of the month from 615 p.m.- 7:15 P.M. We do recommend you call to confirm the date, time, and location as there are some rare occasions where it may be changed. You can also sign up to be kept up to date on this information by emailing victimassistance@sarasotasheriff.org and asking to be added to the HBSG contact list.

For more information or for location details, please contact:
Group Facilitator: Concetta Holmes, 941.504.8599

Victim Assistance Survey 
If the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office Victim Assistance Program served you or your family in the aftermath of crime and/or tragedy in the past, we hope you will consider taking our survey. To better our response to victims of crime, we greatly value your input and suggestions for improvement. Please follow the below link to complete a short survey about how the Victim Assistance Unit served you. We welcome suggestions for improvement and/or any comments you may have about your experience with us.
Survey link here.

Professional Presentations and Community Education

The Victim Assistance Unit is available to speak to your agency or organization. Presentations range from 15 minutes to 2 hours, depending on the topic desired and can be tailored to your needs. We can also set up a tabletop display with information on victims' rights, educational materials, and victim compensation at your event or fair.

Topics include (but are not limited to):

  • Victim Assistance Unit
  • Victim Advocacy
  • Reactions to Crisis and Trauma
  • Domestic Violence
  • Sexual Violence
  • Sexual Assault Forensic Examinations
  • Victims' Rights in Florida
  • The Criminal Justice System
  • Traumatic Grief