As we continue to recognize National Crime Victims’ Rights Week, I want to thank all of Florida’s law enforcement officers, victim advocates and nonprofit counselors who work every day to help victims of crime.
This week, we took a moment to award several of these compassionate public servants during our annual National Crime Victims’ Rights Week Commemoration at the State Capitol.
These incredible individuals from across our great state were instrumental in helping survivors of sexual assaults, human trafficking and senior fraud. They have comforted family members who lost loved ones to heinous murders and assisted them through the legal process.
Our state is better because of the passionate and dedicated way these professionals approach their work. It was an honor to present all six of these law enforcement officers and victim advocates with the Attorney General’s Distinguished Victim Services Award.
The theme of this year’s National Crime Victims’ Rights Week is: Honoring Our Past. Creating Hope for the Future. The theme commemorates the progress made by all involved in the crime victims’ rights movement since its inception. Our office is involved in this national effort through or Bureau of Victim Services.
Our office, through the bureau, helps provide mental health counseling, assistance with medical bills and other victims services through the Victims of Crime Act assistance grant and several additional specialized funds. Crime victims can receive a multitude of services at no cost through a Victims of Crime Act funded provider.
To find a local provider, visit the Victim Services Directory at MyFloridaLegal.com/Directory.
In closing, I want to urge all survivors still struggling with the residual effects of criminal acts to please seek help. There are caring people across this state ready to assist.
In The News
Attorney General Honors Victims Advocates, Capitol News Service
Sixth Circuit judge declines to dismiss Florida AG's lawsuit vs opioid manufacturers, Florida Record
Filing your taxes online? Make sure you're doing it securely, Tampa Bay Times
Vacation rental scams: What you need to know, WJXT
New vacation rental scams enter the scene just in time for spring break, Consumer Affairs
Protecting Floridians
CONSUMER ALERT: Attorney General Moody Warns Consumers of Vacation Rental Scam
Attorney General Ashley Moody issued a Consumer Alert about an increasingly common vacation rental scam that involves the use of fake online ads posted to deceive consumers. The fake listings, posted on sites such as Craigslist, are either of rental properties that are not actually available for rent or actual vacation listings hijacked by the scammer and the contact information changed. This can result in consumers showing up to fake rental properties where the actual residents are not aware that homes are listed or to addresses that are not the properties listed in the advertisements. A major red flag of this type of scam is if an immediate payment is demanded.
Attorney General Ashley Moody said, “With many families on spring break or planning summer vacations, this type of scam can be more common. Renters should be wary of fake rental properties to ensure they are not being scammed and that family vacations are not ruined.” Read More
Attorney General Moody Reminds Crime Victims that Help is Available
In recognition of National Crime Victims’ Rights Week, Attorney General Ashley Moody is highlighting available services funded through the Florida Attorney General’s Office. Attorney General Moody’s Division of Victim Services administers the Victims of Crime Act assistance grant and several additional specialized funds. Crime victims can receive mental health counseling services at no cost through a VOCA funded provider.Attorney General Ashley Moody said, “It is heartbreaking the way violent crime can continue to affect a survivor, even years after the event occurred. There is absolutely no shame in seeking help to deal with these traumatic events. This National Crime Victims’ Rights Week, I am urging all survivors still struggling with the residual effects of criminal acts to please get help. Resources are available through our office and other victim services organizations.” Read More
Events
This week, Attorney General Ashley Moody presented at the Florida Elder Justice Conference in Tampa where she touted the work of Florida’s new Senior Protection Team. Protecting Florida seniors is a top priority of Attorney General Moody’s Office.
Attorney General Moody with her mom Carol Moody at the Elder Justice Conference.
While in Tampa, Attorney General Moody joined agents from the United States Drug Enforcement Administration to unveil the DEA 360 Strategy Program. DEA 360 brings together law enforcement agencies from all levels of government and local community leaders to fight drug abuse and save lives.
Attorney General Moody hosting the annual Crime Victims’ Rights Ceremony in the Florida Cabinet Meeting Room.
Attorney General Moody met with state attorneys from judicial circuits across Florida. Attorney General Moody thanks all the state attorneys for their incredible work to protect Floridians.
Attorney General Moody speaking to members of the Florida Gubernatorial Fellows program at the State Capitol. The program immerses college students from public and private universities in key areas of state government.
Attorney General Moody donating a suit to Volunteer Florida for the annual Suits For Session drive. This year’s donations will benefit Hurricane Michael victims.
Attorney General Moody with Volunteer Florida CEO Clay Ingram
Attorney General Moody with Volunteer Florida CEO Clay Ingram
Attorney General Moody presenting service awards to staff members in Tallahassee. Attorney General Moody recognized members for years of dedicated and valued contributions to the Attorney General’s Office and the state of Florida.
Attorney General Moody live on 92.5 FM Daybreak with Drew Steele talking about the new Statewide Task Force on Opioid Drug Abuse and the Back the Blue Award Campaign. At the request of Senator Kathleen Passidomo, Daybreak traveled from Fort Myers to Tallahassee to broadcast live from the Florida Senate.
Attorney General Moody with University of Florida mascots Albert and Alberta in her Tallahassee office. The State Capitol welcomed representatives of UF for Gator Day this week. Attorney General Moody earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in accounting and law degree at UF.
Attorney General Moody with Florida House Pages outside the Attorney General’s Office in the State Capitol.
