A Message from the Cold Case Survivor Advocate
“Victims of crime or their lawful representatives, including the next of kin of homicide victims, are entitled to the right to be informed, to be present, and to be heard when relevant, at all crucial stages of criminal proceedings, to the extent that these rights do not interfere with the constitutional rights of the accused.”
The State of Florida feels strongly about the rights of crime victims and their families as stated in the Florida Crime Victim’s Bill of Rights. The Survivor Advocate Program within Suwannee Valley Unsolved, Inc., stands with the State of Florida in protecting those rights.
We believe The Crime Victim’s Bill of Rights is essential for protecting and empowering survivors of crime victims as they maneuver the emotional and sometimes physical torments of following the investigation path of the demise of their loved ones.
Navigating the criminal justice process can be confusing, especially during an emotional time. We are dedicated to assisting victims of crime and their families by providing education and awareness of that system as well as communication between law enforcement personnel and those directly affected by violent crimes.
The intention and goal of the Survivor Advocate Program is to serve as a “buffer” for those suffering because of a crime. Also, to ensure they have a voice from the beginning of the investigation to end, hoping to find some sort of closure.
Kalesia Brown
Cold Case Survivor Advocate
How Our Survivor Advocacy Program Works
Resources for Families
Bridging the Survivor-Law Enforcement Gap
Bridging the Survivor-Law Enforcement Gap
Our Cold Case Survivor Advocate is trained to handle issues for survivors related to an unsolved case. Our Survivor Advocate will review each case, meet with the families, and ensure that their loved one's case is preserved.
Bridging the Survivor-Law Enforcement Gap
Bridging the Survivor-Law Enforcement Gap
Bridging the Survivor-Law Enforcement Gap
Our Cold Case Survivor Advocate works with families to ensure they are being kept up to date on the progress of their loved ones case. The advocate will also work to connect loved ones with their respective investigators, regardless of the time passed since the case opened.
Training and Public Advocacy
Bridging the Survivor-Law Enforcement Gap
Training and Public Advocacy
Our Cold Case Survivor Advocate will be trained and certified as a credentialed advocate through State and Federal guidelines. This ensures that each family will be met with the utmost professionalism and experience possible.