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.