Our Victim Advocates provide a professional and sensitive environment for victims while providing up-to-date information about services and agencies available to victims. They work alongside the detectives to offer victims the emotional support needed and to offer crisis intervention.

The Miami-Dade Sheriff's Office investigates all allegations 24 hours a day, seven days a week, while also offering social services, emotional support and guidance to victims.

They will follow up with victims to ensure that their emergency needs are met and offer referrals for other long-term needs, such as victim compensation support, counseling referrals, emergency shelter, legal assistance, and other social service needs.

All our Victim Advocates are certified through the Victim Services Practitioner Designation from the Office of the Attorney General. The MDSO advocates work closely with community-based organizations, non-profit agencies, hospitals, county social service agencies, local domestic violence shelters, local, state, and federal partners to ensure quality service for all victims.

Florida Victim Rights

We realize that for many persons, being a victim or witness to a crime is their first experience with the criminal and juvenile justice systems. As a victim or witness, you have certain rights within the system. The following information is being provided to you to assist you with questions you may have regarding those rights. For further information regarding these rights, please contact the State Attorney's Office and/or the appropriate law enforcement agency handling your case.

Article 1, Section 16 of the Florida Constitution gives crime victims the following rights at the time of victimization.

You have the right:

  1. To receive due process from the courts
  2. To be treated with fairness and respect for your dignity
  3. To be free from intimidation, harassment, and abuse
  4. Within the judicial process, to be reasonably protected from the accused and anyone acting on behalf of the accused
  5. To have the safety and welfare of you and your family considered when the court considers setting bail or pretrial release conditions that could affect you or your family
  1. To prevent disclosure of information or records that could be used to locate or harass you or your family or which could disclose confidential or privileged information about you
  2. To the prompt return of your property when no longer needed as evidence
  3. To full and timely restitution in every case and from each offender convicted of the crime for all losses suffered, both directly and indirectly, as the result of the criminal conduct
  4. To proceedings free from unreasonable delay, a prompt and final conclusion of the case and any related post-judgment proceedings. (In appropriate cases, the prosecutor may file a good faith demand for a speedy trial. In non-capital cases, all state-level appeals and postconviction proceedings must be complete within two years, unless the court enters an order with specific findings concerning why the court was unable to do so and the circumstances causing the delay)
  5. To be informed of these rights and to seek an attorney's advice regarding these rights

Help for Victims

Adult Victims of Child Sexual Abuse
Child Abuse and Child Sexual Abuse
Date Rape
Dating Violence
Domestic Violence
Abuse and Neglect of an Elderly or Disabled Person
Elderly Victims of Rape
Fraud and Financial Crimes
Hate Crimes
Myths About Sexual Assault
Talking About Sexual Assault
What to Do After a Sexual Assault
When Men Are Victims

Contact an MDSO Victim Advocate

We are committed to assisting victims of all crimes by facilitating services and serving as a liaison to community agencies and the criminal justice system.

Get Help

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I tell the police?

That is a question only the victim can answer. It's a personal choice that you, the victim, must feel comfortable making. These FAQs may help you decide what is right for you.

What will happen if I do?

A specially trained detective from MDSO's Sexual Crimes Bureau will talk to you in confidence. They will guide you through the Criminal Justice System, while investigating your case.

What will the police think of me?

We will not judge you. You will be treated with sensitivity and respect.

I can't remember what happened so how can I tell the police?

If you are worried or anxious and think something has happened to you, tell us.

What is a Victim Advocate?

Victim Service Coordinators are available to all sexual assault victims. They offer emotional support during crisis and assist the rape survivor in obtaining needed services.

Will I have to go to court?

That will depend on the end result of your case. The detective and/or State Attorney's Office will advise you about court procedures and hearing information.

I don't want to go to the police. Is there somewhere else I can go for help?

If you decide not to call the police, call someone. The Rape Hotline will always offer support, even if you choose to remain anonymous. You can visit the Roxcy Bolton Rape Treatment Center at Jackson Memorial Hospital in confidence. They can provide you with medical treatment and ongoing support and advice.

If you're a victim, and you don't find answers on this page, please call the Rape Hotline.

Additional Resources

External Links

Crisis & Hotline Numbers

Miami-Dade County Coordinated Victims Assistance Center

305-285-5900

Domestic Violence Emergency Shelter Hotline

305-679-0303

Rape Hotline

305-585-RAPE (7273)

National Human Trafficking Hotline

1-888-373-7888