Services

About
About

​Program services are available to all victims of crime and their families. All services are free, confidential and available to any Alachua County resident.

True
Immediate outreach to victims of sexual battery
Immediate outreach to victims of sexual battery

​Advocates are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to accompany victims of sexual battery to the hospital during the initial rape examination and evidence collection. Counselors respond to request from law enforcement for assistance to victims of domestic violence, homicide survivors, robbery and other violent crimes.

True
Face-to-face and telephone counseling
Face-to-face and telephone counseling

​Free and confidential counseling related to the victimization provided to victims and family members. Counseling sessions scheduled by appointment. Early morning and late evening appointments available, all walk-ins are welcome.

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False
Support groups
Support groups

​Support Group Information

  • ​All groups are free and confidential
  • All groups are offered throughout the year
  • All groups are available to men, women, and non-binary survivors
  • Groups meet weekly for 8-10 weeks, each weekly session is approximately 90 minutes
  • For more information please call (352) 264-6737 or (866) 252-5439

Groups Offered
  • Survivors of Sexual Violence
  • LGBTQ+ Survivors of Sexual Violence
  • Adult Survivors of Childhool Sexual Violence
  • Survivors of Loved Ones Lost to Homicide​

Group Modalities
  • ​Counseling and Discussion
  • Equine Assisted Therapy
  • Yoga/Counseling and Discussion
  • Art and Mindfulness
False
Accompany and support victims through criminal justice proceedings
Accompany and support victims through criminal justice proceedings

​The criminal justice system is dependent upon the cooperation of victims and survivors in order to prosecute a case successfully. Participating in the prosecution of a criminal case can be frustrating, frightening and confusing. Advocate counselors are available to support and accompany victims to criminal justice appointments and proceedings related to the victimization. We encourage all survivors to cooperate and participate fully.

False
Transportation to court appearances and other appointments related to the victimization.
Transportation to court appearances and other appointments related to the victimization.

​Victims receiving services from the program receive transportation, if needed, to criminal justice proceedings, referral resources and other appointments related to the victimization.

False
Assist with application process for Victims Compensation and relocation for Sexual Assault Victims
Assist with application process for Victims Compensation and relocation for Sexual Assault Victims

​An advocate will assist victims and survivors with completing an application to the Bureau of Victim Compensation for assistance with medical bills, lost wages, or funeral expenses incurred because of the death of a loved one by an act of violence.

The center provides assistance with the application process for Relocation Funds, available through the Office of the Attorney General, for sexual battery victims who were assaulted in their home or apartment and wish to relocate.

​
False
Assistance with Protective Injunctions
Assistance with Protective Injunctions

​An injunction for protection against domestic violence and sexual violence is filed when a domestic violence or sexual battery victim has reason to believe he or she is in imminent danger of being victimized by the batterer or offender. Advocates will accompany the victim to the Clerk of the Court office to assist in obtaining a protective injunction.

False
Emergency assistance with urgent special needs
Emergency assistance with urgent special needs

​Victims receiving services from the program will receive assistance with unmet special needs such as replacing broken locks, doors and windows. Victims needing assistance should call the program at 352-264-6760 or Toll Free #1-866-252-5439.

False
Personal advocacy
Personal advocacy

​An advocate is available to assist victims in securing rights, remedies and services from other agencies, i.e. locating emergency financial assistance, intervening with employers, creditors and others on behalf of the victim. Please call 352-264-6760 or Toll Free #1-866-252-5439 for assistance.

False
Information and referral
Information and referral

​Advocates will access and identify the victim's needs and refer him/her to appropriate community resources. Please call 352-264-6760 for assistance.

False
Community education, speeches, and consultation.
Community education, speeches, and consultation.

​Program staff consists of skilled trainers, and presenters who have provided training, seminars and workshops locally and statewide. Advocates are available to provide educational presentations, speeches and consultation to community groups, agencies and/or organizations. Please call 352-264-6760 or Toll Free #1-866-252-5439 if you would like an advocate to provide training and/or speak to your group or organization.

False
Outreach services provided in the Gainesville Police Department
Outreach services provided in the Gainesville Police Department

​The program provides outreach services in the Gainesville Police Department to meet the unmet needs of victims who report the crime to law enforcement and a suspect is not arrested.

False
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If any accommodations are needed for persons with disabilities, please contact the Equal Opportunity Office at (352) 374-5275 or (352) 374-5284 TDD.

Contact​​​​​​​​​​

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  • Victim Services & Rape Crisis Center
  • Main Office @John Henry Thomas, M.D. Center
  • 218 SE 24th Street
  • Gainesville, FL 32641
  • Phone: 352-264-6760
  • Fax: 352-264-6774
  • TDD/TTY: 352-955-2449
  • Monday-Friday, 8:30AM-5PM, some services available 24/7.
 ​
  • Laura Kalt
  • VSRCC Director
  • 218 SE 24th Street
  • Gainesville, FL 32641
  • Phone: 352-264-6760
  • Fax: 352-264-6774
  • TDD/TTY users, please call 711 (Florida Relay Service)
  • Toll-Free Phone: 1-866-252-5439
 ​
  • 24 Hour Sexual Assault Helpline
  • Phone: 352-264-6760
  • TDD/TTY users, please call 711 (Florida Relay Service)
 ​
  • Toll free 24 Hour Sexual Assault Helpline
  • Phone: 866-252-5439
  • TDD/TTY users, please call 711 (Florida Relay Service)
 ​
  • Bradford County Outreach Office
  • 403 Georgia Street
  • Starke, FL 32091
  • TDD/TTY users, please call 711 (Florida Relay Service)
  • Hours vary, please call 24/7 helpline for more information.
 ​
  • Union County Outreach Office
  • 410 W Main Street
  • Lake Butler, FL 32054
  • TDD/TTY users, please call 711 (Florida Relay Service)
  • Hours vary, please call 24/7 helpline for more information.

Mission Statement

  • To support survivors on their journey to reclaiming their personal power in the aftermath of a crime.
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