VSC offers individualized services to victims and/or families impacted by violent crime (Stalking, Human Trafficking, Homicide, Kidnapping / False Imprisonment, Assault and Battery, DUI, Home Invasion, Hit and Run, Robbery, S*x Crimes, Violent Crimes, and Elder Abuse) and s*xual assault. Our Victim Advocates provide: ongoing personal support; information and referrals; ongoing, repetitive crisis intervention; arrangement of services to enhance recovery (health, financial, housing); information/assistance in preparing for court and navigating the criminal justice system; information on victim rights; active monitoring of case through the legal system; assistance with injunctions for protection, advocacy on the behalf of the victim with employers, schools, landlords; information and/or assistance with Crime Victim Compensation applications; and ongoing case management to ensure continuity of services. The VSC operates a 24 hour a day, 7 days a week S*xual Assault Hotline. Our hotline is for anyone seeking immediate telephone crisis intervention services or information on s*xual assault. Our hotline is operated by certified S*xual Assault Counselors. Certified S*xual Assault Counselors are trained to provide immediate crisis intervention and ongoing support. (407) 500-HEAL. Acute S*xual Assault Services (within 120 hours following the s*xual assault): The VSC operates the only certified r**e crisis center in Orange, Seminole, and Osceola Counties in Florida. Services include providing immediate support and advocacy to both reporting and non-reporting victims of s*xual assault. Services can include forensic evidence collection by a SANE (S*xual Assault Nurse Examiner) that occurs in our private facility which offers a calming home-like environment. A certified Victim Advocate is available to accompany the victim during the exam, and all information provided to the advocate is considered confidential per F.S. 90.5035. Services can be received regardless of whether a victim reports the crime to law enforcement. VSC also offers case management and crisis counseling services outside of the initial 120 hours to include adults who were victims of childhood s*xual abuse or in**st. Therapists are available to identify, understand, and ameliorate the effects of s*xual violence and violent crime by promoting healing and resolving lingering issues resulting from crime-related trauma. Services include the evaluation of mental health needs, as well as the delivery of psychotherapy services to those that have no insurance or other means to pay for therapy. Support Groups are available to provide education, support, and linkages to other persons with shared experiences in order to facilitate recovery from crime-related trauma or s*xual violence. Outreach activities are designed to provide information and to identify victims of crime and s*xual violence. Outreach presentations are provided to schools, professionals, and various group and organizations. The VSC reaches out to our stakeholders through small group presentations, tabling events, our billboard campaign, a monthly newsletter, and collaboration with other community agencies. The Victim Service Center’s prevention program reaches out to youth, teens, college students, educators, community providers, individuals, and communities at-large. The Victim Service Center prevention education program is designed to promote attitudes, behaviors, and social conditions that will reduce and eliminate factors that cause or contribute to violence and crime. Office locations include:
Orange County Office:
2111 East Michigan Street, Suite 210, Orlando, Florida, 32806. Office Hours: 8am-5pm, Monday through Friday, (407) 254-9415
Osceola County Office:
110 West Neptune Road, Kissimmee, Florida, 34741. Availability between 8am-5pm by appointment only. Seminole County Office:
400 W Airport Blvd, Sanford, FL 32773. If you need to speak with a Victim Advocate outside of our office hours due to an immediate crisis situation, please call our 24/7 S*xual Assault Helpline at (407) 500 - HEAL (4325). A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING TOLL-FREE (800-435-7352) WITHIN THE STATE. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE. Your gift is tax deductible as allowed by law; Victim Service Center is registered with the state under the Solicitation of Contributions Act, 1992 under Florida Registration Number CH18390 and Federal Tax Identification Number 75-2978885. For registration information contact the Division of Consumer Services at 1-800-HELP-FLA (435-7352) or visit their website at www.FloridaConsumerHelp.com.
