Victim Advocate Services

 

Victims and survivors of violent crime represent all ethnic, social, religious, and economic backgrounds. Due to the nature of victimization, many individuals—particularly those experiencing domestic violence—are hesitant to seek assistance. This silence often allows violent crimes to go unreported and discourages witnesses from coming forward. Addressing and dismantling this barrier is essential to changing societal attitudes toward violence and ensuring victims receive the support they need.

The Victim Advocate Services Program provides comprehensive support to victims of domestic violence, victims of all violent crimes, and the families of homicide victims. Specialized assistance is available immediately at the crime scene and continues throughout the investigative and criminal justice processes.

​

Services Provided Include:

​​

• Assistance with completing Victim Compensation claims for burial expenses, medical costs, disability resulting from the incident, grief counseling, lost wages, loss of support for dependent survivors, and property loss for adults over 60 years of age or individuals with disabilities.

• Crisis intervention and emotional support for all victims and families of homicide victims.

• Relocation referrals to the Coordinated Victim Assistance Center (CVAC) safe space for victims of domestic violence.

• Referrals to domestic violence shelters, grief counseling services, support groups for parents of murdered children, and other agencies offering mental health and empowerment counseling.

• Guidance to help victims understand the criminal justice process and their rights.

• Assistance with obtaining injunctions for protection against domestic violence or intimate partner violence.

• Ongoing follow-up with victims regarding case investigations.

• On-scene crisis intervention and support upon request.

• U-Visa assistance for eligible non-citizen victims who are cooperating with law enforcement.

• Victim/Witness Protection assistance, subject to approval by Criminal Investigative Commanders.

• Training and presentations regarding available services, including participation in community meetings.

• Community education and empowerment training on topics such as human trafficking, domestic violence, safety awareness, teen dating violence, and related issues.

​

The Victim Advocate Services Program is an essential component of the comprehensive services provided to residents and visitors of the City of Miami. The program supports the mission of the Miami Police Department by offering immediate and ongoing assistance to victims of violent crime, enhancing public safety, and improving overall quality of life within the community.

​

National, State, and Local Helplines

​​

• Florida Domestic Violence Hotline: 800-500-1119

• Florida Child Abuse Hotline: 800-962-2873

• National Domestic Violence Hotline: 800-799-7233

• National Teen Dating Abuse Hotline: 866-331-9474

• National Organization for Victim Assistance: 800-879-6682

• National Human Trafficking Hotline: 888-373-7888

• National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 800-273-8255

• Office for Victims of Crime Resource Center: 800-627-6872

• Coordinated Victim Assistance Center (CVAC): 305-285-5900

• Roxy Bolton Rape Treatment Center (RTC): 305-585-7273

• Parents of Murdered Children: 305-951-4551

• Miami-Dade State Attorney’s Office: 305-547-0100

• Injunction for Protection Against Domestic Violence: 305-349-5813

• Florida Bureau of Victim Compensation: 800-226-6667

​

Shelters

​

• Lotus House for Women: 305-438-0556

• Safespace Shelter Hotline: 305-679-0303

• Miami Rescue Mission: 305-571-2250

• Salvation Army: 305-573-4200

• Camillus House: 305-374-1065 (Ext. 414 or 428)

​

Florida Statutes establish guidelines to ensure the fair and respectful treatment of victims within the criminal and juvenile justice systems. These statutes authorize direct-support organizations to provide assistance to victims of both adult and juvenile crimes.

​

The Victim Advocate Services Unit is committed to supporting you. For assistance, please contact us at 305-603-6290.