Program services are available to all victims of crime and their families. All services are free, confidential and available to any Alachua County resident.
Services Include:
Immediate outreach to victims of sexual battery
Advocates are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to accompany victims of sexual battery to the hospital during the initial rape examination and evidence collection. Counselors respond to request from law enforcement for assistance to victims of domestic violence, homicide survivors, robbery and other violent crimes.
Face-to-face and telephone counseling
Free and confidential counseling related to the victimization provided to victims and family members. Counseling sessions scheduled by appointment. Early morning and late evening appointments available, all walk�ins are welcome.
Support groups
Support groups are on going and offered year round, by trained and skilled facilitators. Anyone interested in attending one of the five support groups offered by the program should call (352) 264-6760 or Toll Free #1-866-252-5439, for meeting dates and times. For a description of the available support groups, please visit the Support Groups' page.
Accompany and support victims through criminal justice proceedings
The criminal justice system is dependent upon the cooperation of victims and survivors in order to prosecute a case successfully. Participating in the prosecution of a criminal case can be frustrating, frightening and confusing. Advocate counselors are available to support and accompany victims to criminal justice appointments and proceedings related to the victimization. We encourage all survivors to cooperate and participate fully.
Transportation to court appearances and other appointments related to the victimization.
Victims receiving services from the program receive transportation, if needed, to criminal justice proceedings, referral resources and other appointments related to the victimization.
Assist with application process for Victims Compensation
An advocate will assist victims and survivors with completing an application to the Bureau of Victim Compensation for assistance with medical bills, lost wages, or funeral expenses incurred because of the death of a loved one by an act of violence.
Assistance with Protective Injunctions
An injunction for protection against domestic violence and sexual violence is filed when a domestic violence or sexual battery victim has reason to believe he or she is in imminent danger of being victimized by the batterer or offender. Advocates will accompany the victim to the Clerk of the Court office to assist in obtaining a protective injunction.
Emergency assistance with urgent special needs
Victims receiving services from the program will receive assistance with unmet special needs such as replacing broken locks, doors and windows. Victims needing assistance should call the program at 352-264-6760 or Toll Free #1-866-252-5439.
Computer Workstation
A computer workstation is available for internet access to employment opportunities, with tutorial software for resume writing and managing finances to assist victims in the development of life management skills.
Personal advocacy
An advocate is available to assist victims in securing rights, remedies and services from other agencies, i.e. locating emergency financial assistance, intervening with employers, creditors and others on behalf of the victim. Please call 352-264-6760 or Toll Free #1-866-252-5439 for assistance.
Information and referral
Advocates will access and identify the victims� needs and refer him/her to appropriate community resources. Please call 352-264-6760 for assistance.
Community education, speeches, and consultation.
Program staff consists of skilled trainers, and presenters who have provided training, seminars and workshops locally and statewide. Advocates are available to provide educational presentations, speeches and consultation to community groups, agencies and/or organizations. Please call 352-264-6760 or Toll Free #1-866-252-5439 if you would like an advocate to provide training and/or speak to your group or organization.
Network with other victim service providers and state organization.
Close networking coupled with coordination of services with other victim service providers is essential to eliminate a duplication of services and create excellent working relationships. The program works closely with local law enforcement agencies and the Office of the State Attorney. Membership and affiliation in state victim service organizations enables the program to keep abreast of victim related legislature and changes in Florida Statue 960 that affect victim rights and services to victims.
Outreach services provided in the Gainesville Police Department St. Francis House and the Alachua Police Department.
The program provides outreach services in the Gainesville Police Department and Alachua Police Department to meet the unmet needs of victims who report the crime to law enforcement and a suspect is not arrested. The program provides outreach services in the St. Francis House homeless shelter to assist and provide homeless citizens and women who are raped or battered immediate access to victim services.
HIV Test Site
Victim Services & Rape Crisis Center provides confidential HIV testing. Please call 352-264-6760 or Toll Free #1-866-252-5439 to schedule an appointment or for further information. All services are free.