Media Release

ALACHUA COUNTY, FL - Alachua County Victim Services and Rape Crisis Center Project Coordinator, Laura Kalt has been selected for the Office of the Attorney General’s 2012 “Victim Advocate of the Year Award.” 

Laura has been an employee of Alachua County since 1997, and is posted in the Gainesville Police Department’s (GPD) Criminal Investigation Domestic Violence Unit.  Laura was nominated by Captain Lynne Benck for her dedication and commitment to serving citizens and victims of crime.      

Laura will be acknowledged on April 24, 2013, by Attorney General, Pam Bondi and Governor Rick Scott during a commemorative ceremony in Tallahassee.  The ceremony pays tribute to criminal justice officers and victim advocates who have distinguished themselves in the preservation of the rights of crime victims through service in their community on behalf of victims.

In addition to being posted in the Gainesville Police Department, Laura assists the County’s Victim Services and Rape Crisis Center in providing 24/7 emergency outreach and crisis intervention to victims of sexual violence and other violent crime.   Laura is responsible for coordinating education, awareness and risk reduction activities, facilitating support groups, and accompanying victims to criminal justice procedures.

When congratulated by her colleagues for the honor and recognition Laura stated, “It has special meaning to me since it was GPD that nominated me. When you believe in yourself and the reason you do this job no matter who you're up against, then you know you've done the best job you could.”

For more information, contact Alachua County Victim Services Director, Loretta Golden at 352-264-6760 or llg@alachuacounty.us.