Attorney General Pam Bondi today awarded victim advocates and law enforcement for exceptional efforts in protecting and counseling victims. Attorney General Bondi presented the awards at her annual ceremony commemorating National Crime Victims’ Rights Week at the state Capitol. This year’s theme, Expand the Circle Reach All Victims, highlights the importance of reaching all victims and emphasizing the importance of inclusion in victim services.
“I am thankful for all who dedicate their lives to serving victims of crime, including those who rushed to the scene of tragedy following recent mass casualty events,” said Attorney General Bondi. “All our award recipients are exceptional and play a vital role in helping victims heal and I am eternally grateful for their service.”
The Florida Crime Victims’ Bill of Rights states, “Victims of crime or their lawful representatives, including the next of kin of homicide victims, are entitled to the right 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.”
The award recipients honored today are the following:
- Dr. Wade Barnes, Women’s Center of Jacksonville;
- Carl Harms with the State Attorney’s Office, Fourth Judicial Circuit;
- Julie Weintraub, Hands Across the Bay;
- Detective Suzanne Clouchete with the Osceola County Sheriff’s Office;
- Detective Greg Farless with the Indian River County Sheriff’s Office; and
- Chief John Mina, City of Orlando Police Department.
To watch the full ceremony on The Florida Channel, click here.
For more information on crime victim services offered by the Florida Attorney General’s Office, click here.
For more information on National Crime Victims’ Rights Week, click here.
