Media Release

ALACHUA COUNTY, FL - The Alachua County Office of Victim Services is informing residents that as of October 1, 2012, victims of sexual battery raped in their place of residence or who reside in a location that leads to reasonable fear for continued safety can receive up to $1500.00 in relocation assistance.  The assistance can be used for expenses such as utility deposits, moving company charges and housing deposits or rent.  All services are free and confidential.

On April 27, 2012, Governor Rick Scott signed HB 1355 Relating to Protection of Vulnerable Persons.  The Bill includes relocation assistance for victims of sexual battery effective October 1, 2012.  To be eligible for sexual battery relocation assistance, the victim must report the crime to law enforcement within 72 hours after the assault and cooperate in prosecuting known offenders.  The application for relocation assistance can only be submitted through a rape crisis center in the State of Florida which has been certified by the Florida Council Agaisnt Sexual Violence.

The Alachua County Victim Services Rape Crisis Center has been certified by the Florida Council Against Sexual Violence since September 2008.  Representatives from the program have completed the specialized training provided by the Office of the Attorney General and are authorized to assist sexual battery victims in filing a claim for relocation assistance.

Alachua County Victim Services Director, Loretta Golden said, “Assisting victims who desire to relocate strengthens our work to ensure that survivors of sexual battery are safe to start the long journey to healing and recovery.”

For more information, contact Loretta Golden at 352-264-6760, or llg@alachuacounty.us.