Victim & Witness Services
The Office of the State Attorney has trained Victim Witness Specialists who are dedicated to making sure that victims of crime know that they are not alone, and that their voices will be heard. In the aftermath of crime, often victims are experiencing physical and mental pain along with financial loss. The criminal process can be overwhelming under those circumstances. Our office provides Victim Witness Specialists in each county to assist victims and witnesses in learning about their legal rights and protections under the law. They also help victims navigate their way through the criminal process. The Victim Witness Specialists can help victims understand what their rights are, assist with asserting their rights, attend proceedings for support, and make referrals for community services.
37TH ANNUAL VICTIM REMEMBRANCE CEREMONY HONORS PAST CRIME VICTIMS ACROSS THE FIFTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT
During National Crime Victims’ Rights Week, we honor all those who have been affected by crime and recognize their courage and resilience.
Although every day our office fights to seek justice for all victims of crime, this week we reflect on those lives that have been forever affected and altered by criminal acts. Our office is honored to host the 37th Annual Victim Remembrance Ceremony, held once again this year in each county of our circuit, including Marion, Lake, Sumter, Hernando, and Citrus. Please come and join us in honoring and remembering the victims in our circuit:
Monday, April 20th
Citrus County at 3:00 p.m. (110 North Apopka Ave. Inverness, FL 34450)
Thursday, April 23rd
Marion County at Noon (110 NW 1 Ave, Ocala, FL 34475)
Lake County at Noon (550 West Main St. Tavares, FL 32778) Hernando County at 3:00 p.m. (20 North Main St., Brooksville, FL 34601)
Friday, April 24th
Sumter County at 11:00 a.m. (215 East McCollum Avenue Bushnell, FL 33513)
The ceremonies, held in solemn remembrance, are a poignant tribute to the past crime victims in our community. We are deeply grateful to the families who will be joining us to honor their loved ones and share in this important event. The purpose of these ceremonies is to ensure that the victims of crime are not forgotten, that their presence continues to live on in our hearts, and that we steadfastly raise awareness about crime victims and justice within our circuit.
Please review our Victims’ Rights Brochure and Domestics Violence Brochure linked below to learn more about the criminal justice system, victims’ rights, and available resources.