What Do We Do?
Palm Beach County Victim Services was originally funded in 1975 under grants from the Law Enforcement Assistance Administration. The Office of the State Attorney in conjunction with the Palm Beach County Board of County Commissioners had the foresight to recognize and respond to the needs of crime victims in Palm Beach County and, following three years of federal funding, our services were permanently funded by the Palm Beach County Board of County Commissioners.
Located within the Palm Beach County Department of Public Safety, Victim Services is independent of, but work closely with, the 15th Judicial Circuit Office of the State Attorney and Law Enforcement Agencies. For 42 years we have been providing comprehensive services to primary and secondary victims of sexual violence, domestic violence, homicide and other violent crimes. Our services are provided in 5 locations throughout Palm Beach County and are free of charge to crime victims.
Victim advocates all have a minimum of a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice or a related degree with 2 years of experience. All advocates earn their victim advocate practitioner designation from the Florida Office of the Attorney General and their certification as rape crisis counselors through the Florida Council against Sexual Violence.
Five licensed clinical therapists provide individual, family, and group therapy and support to provide a calming environment to reduce the trauma caused by violence. All services are available in English and Spanish.