Gilchrist County Sheriff's Office

WE ALL NEED HELP AND SUPPORT FROM TIME TO TIME

WHAT IS A VICTIM ADVOCATE?

The crime victim advocate has developed into a vital resource for the community as well as for law enforcement. With the continued growth of the community the increase in victim services has also increased. It is going to be to the point that one advocate will not be able to handle the request for services. The present advocate works 40 hours a week from 8:00 A.M. thru 5:00 P.M. Monday thru Friday. The advocate is on call 24/7. When the advocate is ill or on vacation it is necessary to make arrangements with Levy County to make sure an advocate is available for first response.

Gilchrist County Sheriff's Office crime victim advocate is also deeply involved in other activities in the community. For the last 5 years the advocate has worked with the Marine Corp League to coordinate the Toys For Tots drive for Gilchrist County. There are several secret Santa's that the advocate finds needy families to match with. The advocate also coordinates toy donations for the Child Abuse Task Force to help make sure all children in Gilchrist County do not do without. Toy donations are taken on a year round basis and the advocate supplies deputies with toys to carry in their trunks. These toys are handy when a child needs something to hold and cuddle.

The advocate is involved in several committees in the community. Our present advocate is part of the DJJ committee, steering committee member of Shared Services Network, a mentor through the H.O.P.E Program and a member of the Child Abuse Task Force. The advocate was the Gilchrist County Volunteer Coordinator and involved with the CERT team until increasing work demand made it impossible to find the time for everything.

The advocate not only meets the demands of the job but also does training classes on domestic violence to those in the community who ask. She has been a guest speaker at the schools, the nursing homes, Lancaster Correctional and other organizations in the community.

The advocate position requires continuing education and an advocate must hold a Victim's Service's Designated Practitioner Certificate. Since the position is currently grant funded this certification is required to receive funds. The advocate also participates in law enforcement in house training as well as other training classes. There is not funding for training so any classes and expenses have to be taken out of the Sheriff's Office budget.

The advocate position is a vital resource to the community. Not only is this position needed for crime victims but has become an information center for those needing to find resources from other agencies.

For additional information for victims of crime the National Center for Victims of Crime, and Victim Law websites are available.

The advocate's office is confidential so don't be afraid to make a call.

Telephone Number: 352-463-3181 Fax: 352-463-3183
Email: acameron@gilchrist.fl.us