TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WTXL) -- The effects of a crime can be long lasting for a victim. But, helping victims through their troubled times is the role of a Victim Advocate.
In this week's "For Your Protection", we introduce you to Melanie Tudor and Fawnisha Brown, both members of Tallahassee Police Department's Victim Advocate Unit.
They're among a four-member unit established in 1992 whose job it is is to provide help to victims of crime. Tudor and Brown appeared Thursday on WTXL ABC27 Sunrise to talk about their unique ability to devote attention to various needs of a victim while at the same time acting as a liaison with officers.
Services provided by the unit include:
- On Scene Assistance (Crime Scene, Hospital, etc.)
- Crisis Intervention Counseling
- Assistance with the Return of Property
- Community Information and Referrals
- Emergency Financial Assistance
- Transportation for Case Related Activities (i.e.; Court)
- Support throughout the Criminal Justice System
- Assistance with Death Notification
- Short Term Counseling
- Emergency Legal Assistance (i.e.; Protective Injunctions)
- Liaison with Investigators
- Safety Planning
- Assistance with Application for Victim Compensation
- Advocacy on Behalf of Victims/Survivors
- Community Education
For more information about your Victim Rights, you can download Tallahassee Police Department's Victim Right's Pamphlet.
