The Winter Haven Police Department Victim Assistance Program is
a 24-hour on call program. The Victim Advocate recognizes
and is most sensitive to the rights and needs of crime victims.
Victims face many difficult problems that are caused by their
victimization. The Victim Advocate responds to these
individual needs with compassion and an in-depth knowledge of
available community resources.
The Victim Advocate may: |
Mary Ann Rastatter
Victim Advocate |
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- Provide crisis intervention
- Provide emotional support
- Help you to understand how the judicial system works
- Assist you in obtaining information about your case
- Help you deal with the aftermath of crime
- Assist you in filing for Victim Compensation
- Make appropriate referrals
The Victim Advocate educates victims about the criminal justice
system, answers questions or concerns they may have and may provide
referrals to other agencies as necessary. She/he becomes an
advocate for the victim, accompanying the victim to file necessary
documents and protection orders and to court, if so desired.
The Victim Advocate also is the administrator of a program that provides
cell phones to
victims of domestic violence and to senior citizens for emergency use.
The phone does not provide the recipient
any enhanced service; it merely provides the reassurance of having a
portable means of initiating contact with emergency services.
For more information about the Victim Assistance program, contact Mary
Ann Rastatter,
Victim Advocate, at 863.298.7518.
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