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Victim Advocacy Program

The Tampa Police Department's Victim Advocacy Program is available to assist and offer support to victims of crime. For additional information, resources and referrals, contact us at (813) 276-3622 to speak with a victim advocate. You may leave a voicemail or send an email to TPD-VictimAdvocate@tampa.gov. 

For life threatening emergencies, call 9-1-1. For non-emergency matters, please call (813) 231-6130.

Victim Rights and Resources

Tampa Police Victim Advocacy Program Brochure
Office of the State Attorney - Victim Assistance Program
State Attorney's Office Victim's Rights Brochure (English)
Folleto de Derechos de las Víctimas de la Fiscalía Estatal
State Attorney's Office - Domestic Violence Victim's Rights Brochure (English)
Sexual Battery: Your Rights and Services
Agresión sexual: Sus Derechos y Servicios

Overview

The Victim Advocacy Program (VAP) of the Tampa Police Department was developed to increase victim support, mitigate victims’ trauma, and enhance its response to victims of violent crime in the City of Tampa. The Victim Advocate is a professional trained to assist and support victims, witnesses, and survivors of crime in the aftermath of crime and traumatic events. The role of an advocate is to inform victims of their rights, explore available options, address their immediate safety concerns, and assist with appropriate resources and referrals for counseling and other services. The Victim Advocacy Program is committed to stand alongside victims utilizing a client-centered and trauma informed approach focusing on their individualized needs with compassion, dignity, and respect.

Services vary according to individual needs and requests and may include but are not limited to the following:

  • Inform victims of their rights and available options
  • Crisis intervention and emotional support in the aftermath of a crime. Includes safety planning
  • Assessment of needs
  • Information on appropriate community resources and referrals
  • Criminal Justice Support
  • Assistance with filing injunctions for protection
  • Bilingual advocacy services- Spanish
  • Assistance with crime victim compensation applications
  • Assistance with property return

Frequently Asked Questions

The Crime Victim Compensation Fund is offered through the Florida Office of Attorney General. Victim advocates may assist with completing applications however they have no part in the eligibility process or determination of benefits.

The Victim Advocate is a non-sworn, civilian professional at the Tampa Police Department and is trained to provide support and assistance to victims in the aftermath of crime. Victim advocates are not officers and do not conduct investigations, rather they serve as a liaison between victims and law enforcement.

Yes. Victim advocacy services and crime victim compensation are available to victims of violent crime, regardless of immigration status.

Yes. Prosecution is not required to receive victim advocacy services or apply for crime victim compensation.

External Resources and Support Services

See our Homeless Resources page.

See our Mental Health Resources page.