Victim's Assistance

Being the victim of a crime is an unpleasant thing to think about, but unfortunately it occurs. Victims of crime are sometimes young, sometimes old, sometimes poor, but all victims sustain some type of physical, emotional or financial injury. All too often, this injury is long-lasting.

We at the Martin County Sheriff’s Office are particularly concerned, and we are committed to ensuring the rights of victims. The Sheriff’s Office has established a Victim/Witness Program.

Goal

Our goal is to meet the needs of victims of crime and reduce the trauma they have experienced. We want to help! The overall objective of the Victim/Witness Assistance Program is to assist victims and witnesses of crime or tragedy and their families in returning to the level of functioning they had prior to the offense or tragedy in as smooth and timely a manner as possible.

Your Rights as a Victim or Witness

We realize that for many persons, being a victim or witness to a crime is their first experience with the criminal and juvenile justice system. As a victim or witness, you have certain rights within the system. For further information regarding these rights, please call the appropriate law enforcement agency handling your case.

Eligibility

Victims of crime always need the support of their families and friends to help them deal with the trauma of victimization. Sometimes this support is not sufficient, or additional help or information is needed. Victim and Witness assistance is available to any citizen of Martin County, or any victim or witness of a violent crime committed within the county.

Basic Victims’ Bill of Rights

As a victim of a crime you have the following rights or remedies under Florida Statute 960:

  1. In some cases, victims (or their relatives where the victim is deceased) may be eligible for financial compensation from the State of Florida - Information regarding eligibility may be obtained from the law enforcement agency or from the Bureau of Crimes Compensation, Office of the Attorney General (call 800-226-6667), or the State Attorney’s Office
  2. The right to receive information on available crisis intervention services and local community services to include counseling, shelter, legal assistance, or other types of help, depending on the particular circumstances
  3. The right to receive information regarding the role of the victim in the criminal or juvenile process, including what the victim may expect from the system as well as what the system may expect from the victim
  4. The right to be informed, present, and heard when relevant, at all crucial stages of a criminal or juvenile proceeding, to the extent the right does not interfere with the constitutional rights of the accused
  5. The right to request and receive restitution

For additional information on Florida Statute 960, please contact your local Victim/Witness Advocate at 772-320-3064.

Helpful Phone Numbers

Emergencies

For all emergencies - police, fire, and medical - call 911.

Law Enforcement Agencies

View a list of local Law Enforcement Agencies’ non-emergency numbers.

Victim Assistance

View a list of victim assistance numbers.