Victim Advocacy Unit

The Fort Pierce Police Department’s Victim Advocacy Unit supports victims of crime. We offer emotional support, victims’ rights information, help find needed resources and provide assistance in filling out crime victim-related forms. Advocates also assist victims and their family members by accompanying them during criminal justice proceedings. In addition, advocates work with other organizations, such as the State Attorney and social service agencies, to assist victims and their family members. For example, all sexual assault cases are assisted by the 19th Judicial State Attorney’s Office, and their advocates respond to these cases (rape, molestation, sexual battery, pornography, etc.)

Advocacy services include:

• Victims’ Rights Information (Marcy’s Law)

• Crisis intervention

• Respond to homicides, domestics, suicides, overdoses,

• Death Notifications (help find next of kin)

• Victims over 60 (vandalism, robbery, theft)

• Emotional support

• Resources and referrals

• Information on victimization

• Assistance with Crime Victims Compensation application

• Information on legal rights and protections

• Information on the criminal justice process

• Assist victims, and their family members submit statements to the court

• Intervention with landlords, creditors, and employers on behalf of the victim

• Information on crime prevention

• Assistance with funeral/memorial arrangements

• Assistance with safety planning

• Assistance in navigating the medical systems

• Mental Health Referrals

• Referral to other agencies (Safe Space, Coalition of Independent Living Option, New Horizons, Hospice Grief Counseling, Treasure Coast Homeless Services Council, Inner Truth)

Lead Advocate Angela Brathwaite

920 South US Hwy 1, Fort Pierce, Florida

abrathwaite@fppd.org or at 772.467.6846