In recognition of National Crime Victims’ Rights Week, Attorney General Ashley Moody is highlighting available services funded through the Florida Attorney General’s Office. Attorney General Moody’s Division of Victim Services administers the Victims of Crime Act assistance grant and several additional specialized funds. Crime victims can receive mental health counseling services at no cost through a VOCA funded provider.
In recent weeks, two survivors of the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School shooting took their own lives. Attorney General Moody is urging anyone experiencing adverse reactions in the aftermath of a crime to ask for help. Survivors of crime, including mass casualty incidents like the Parkland and Pulse Nightclub shootings, may be eligible for mental health assistance at no charge through a local Attorney General’s Office VOCA-funded organization.
Attorney General Ashley Moody said, “It is heartbreaking the way violent crime can continue to affect a survivor, even years after the event occurred. There is absolutely no shame in seeking help to deal with these traumatic events. This National Crime Victims’ Rights Week, I am urging all survivors still struggling with the residual effects of criminal acts to please get help. Resources are available through our office and other victim services organizations.”
Victims of crime in Florida can seek counseling services at no cost through local provider organizations funded through the Florida Attorney General’s Office. To find a local provider visit the Victim Services Directory at MyFloridaLegal.com/Directory.
The directory lists regionally-specific providers. Not all the providers are funded through a VOCA assistance grant but are available to assist victims. To apply for a VOCA Grant Award, please contact the Florida Attorney General’s Office at (850) 414-3380.
Anyone contemplating suicide should call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1(800) 273-8255.
The purpose of the VOCA grant reimbursement program is to support the provision of services to victims of crime. Eligibility to apply for VOCA funds is limited to victim assistance programs administered by state or local government agencies or not-for-profit corporations registered in Florida, or a combination thereof. The VOCA grants are awarded to agencies to hire personnel to assist crime victims. VOCA funded agencies provide the services to victims and then seek reimbursement from the OAG through monthly invoices.
