Sheriff's Unit To Help Victims Cope With Trauma Of Crimes

HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, FL — When a crime is committed, the legal system goes out of its way to make sure the person who committed the crime has representation. However, there are no such protections for the victims of crimes. Too often, victims are alone in dealing with the court system, the trauma and even the financial impacts of a crime.

To ensure that crime victims are treated with the respect, compassion and dignity they deserve, Hillsborough County Sheriff Chad Chronister has created a Victim Specialist Unit.

In 2020, the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office applied for and received a federal grant to hire three, full-time victim specialists who will provide assistance and support to victims and witnesses of serious crimes.

The Victim Specialist Unit aims will initially help victims of sexual batteries, families of homicide victims and witnesses of serious crimes, Chronister said.

"Our goal is to provide the best possible service to those in need," Chronister said. "We've found many times that victims are dealing with trauma while trying to navigate what resources are available to help. Our advocates can help bridge the gap and get them the help they need faster and easier than if they were doing it alone."

"We are there for them, a listening ear," victim specialist Jena Rundus said. "Whether it's therapy resources or immediate crisis support or after care if one of their loved ones has died, we're going to be a support for them and provide resources they may not know about."

"I think the sheriff's office realizes there are a lot of victims in Hillsborough County," said Sgt. Shannon Ostojic who oversees the new unit. "There are also a lot of social services and resources that may have been skipped on the way so, by having this unit, we'll be able to bridge the gap between the victims of crimes of a serious nature and the services that can help them adjust to their situation."

"Whether it takes a year or a couple of weeks, I'll be able to spend time with them for whatever they need," said victim specialist Madyson Pate.

The victim specialists will assist victims and witnesses with an array of services including:

• counseling victims and witnesses on their legal rights
• providing case management assistance
• arranging accommodations for meetings and court hearings
• serving as a point of contact between victims and criminal justice entities
• fostering cooperation between law enforcement, prosecutors and victims

If you or someone you love has been the victim of a crime, call the sheriff's office at 813-247-8200.