Victim Services Program

We are committed to assisting victims of all crimes by facilitating services and serving as a liaison to community agencies and the criminal justice system. The Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office investigates all allegations 24 hours a day, seven days a week, while also offering social services, emotional support and guidance to victims.

Victim Services Program

Our Victim Advocates provide a professional and sensitive environment for victims while providing up-to-date information about services and agencies available to victims. They work alongside the detectives to offer victims the emotional support needed and to offer crisis intervention.

They will follow up with victims to ensure that their emergency needs are met and offer referrals for other long-term needs, such as victim compensation support, counseling referrals, emergency shelter, legal assistance, and other social service needs.

All our Victim Advocates are certified through the Victim Services Practitioner Designation from the Office of the Attorney General. The MDSO advocates work closely with community-based organizations, non-profit agencies, hospitals, county social service agencies, local domestic violence shelters, local, state, and federal partners to ensure quality service for all victims.

We realize that for many persons, being a victim or witness to a crime is their first experience with the criminal and juvenile justice systems. As a victim or witness, you have certain rights within the system. The following information is being provided to you to assist you with questions you may have regarding those rights. For further information regarding these rights, please contact the State Attorney's Office (SAO) and/or the appropriate law enforcement agency (LEA) handling your case. Learn about your rights as a victim.
- Article 1, Section 16 of the Florida Constitution gives crime victims the following rights at the time of victimization.
You have the right:
- to receive due process from the courts.
- to be treated with fairness and respect for your dignity.
- to be free from intimidation, harassment, and abuse.
- within the judicial process, to be reasonably protected from the accused and anyone acting on behalf of the accused.
- to have the safety and welfare of you and your family considered when the court considers setting bail or pretrial release conditions that could affect you or your family.
- to prevent disclosure of information or records that could be used to locate or harass you or your family or which could disclose confidential or privileged information about you.
- to the prompt return of your property when no longer needed as evidence.
- to full and timely restitution in every case and from each offender convicted of the crime for all losses suffered, both directly and indirectly, as the result of the criminal conduct.
- to proceedings free from unreasonable delay, a prompt and final conclusion of the case and any related post-judgment proceedings. (In appropriate cases, the prosecutor may file a good faith demand for a speedy trial. In non-capital cases, all state-level appeals and postconviction proceedings must be complete within two years, unless the court enters an order with specific findings concerning why the court was unable to do so and the circumstances causing the delay).
- to be informed of these rights and to seek an attorney’s advice regarding these rights.
Mental Health and Wellness Bureau
9105 NW 25th Street
Miami, Florida 33172
Main: 305-471-3000
Fax: 305-597-7812
- Barbie Brewer
  Victim Advocate Manager/Victim Services Program Manager
  Direct: 305-471-2423
  Email: [email protected]
Homicide Bureau
9105 NW 25th Street, Suite #2800
Miami, Florida 33172
Main: 305-471-2400
Fax: 305-471-2311
[email protected]
- Alexander Puga
  Victim Advocate-Homicide Bureau
  Direct: 305-471-2069
  Email: [email protected]
- Yoamna Rodriguez
  Victim Advocate-Homicide Bureau
  Direct: 305-471-2087
  Email: [email protected]
- Violet Felipe
  Victim Advocate-Homicide Bureau
  Direct: 305-471-2331
  Email: [email protected]
- Alissa Lopez
  Victim Advocate-Homicide Bureau
  Direct: 305-471-2380
  Email: [email protected]
Special Victims Bureau
1701 NW 87 Avenue, Suite #120
Doral, Florida 33172
Main: 305-715-3300
Fax: 305-715-3394
[email protected]
- Junie Derival
  Victim Advocate-Special Victims Bureau
  Direct: 305-715-3321
  Email: [email protected]
- Marichelle Henry
  Victim Advocate-Special Victims Bureau
  Direct: 305-715-3228
  Email: [email protected]
- Elke Perez
  Victim Advocate-Special Victims Bureau
  Direct: 305-715-3373
  Email: [email protected]
- Elba Suarez
  Victim Advocate-Special Victims Bureau
  Direct: 305-715-3248
  Email: [email protected]
- Paulette Golatt
  Victim Advocate-Special Victims Bureau
  Direct: 305-715-3218
  Email: [email protected]
- Stephanie De La Rosa
  Victim Advocate-Special Victims Bureau
  Direct: 305-715-3215
  Email: [email protected]
Robbery Bureau
9105 NW 25 Street, Suite #2094
Doral, Florida 33172
Main: 305-471-2142
Fax: 305-471-3125
[email protected]
- Elizabeth Fernandez
  Victim Advocate-Robbery Bureau
  Direct: 305-471-2144
  Email: [email protected]
- Sandra Ibanez
  Victim Advocate-Robbery Bureau
  Direct: 305-471-2258
  Email: [email protected]
Midwest District
9101 NW 25th Street
Doral, Florida 33172
Main: 305-471-2800
Fax: 305-471-2887
[email protected]
- Cinthia Porcelli
  Victim Advocate-Midwest District
  Direct: 305-471-1813
  Email: [email protected]
Kendall District
7707 SW 117th Avenue
Miami, Florida 33183
Main: 305-279-6929
Fax: 305-596-7128
[email protected]
- Nicholas Lopez
  Victim Advocate-Kendall District
  Direct: 305-270-3876
  Email: [email protected]
Hammocks District
10000 SW 142 Avenue
Miami, FL 33186
Main: 305-383-6800
Fax: 305-383-6808
[email protected]
- Silvia Hernandez
  Victim Advocate-Hammocks District
  Direct: 305-383-6914
  Email: [email protected]
South District
10800 SW 211 Street
Cutler Bay, Florida 33189
Main: (305) 378-4300
Fax: (305) 232-2918
[email protected]
- Wanda Tookes
  Victim Advocate-South District
  Direct: (305) 378-4331
  Email: [email protected]
- Stephanie Vargas
  Victim Advocate-South District
  Direct: (305) 378-4353
  Email: [email protected]
Northside District
799 NW 81 Street
Miami, Florida 33150
Main: (305) 836-8601
Fax: (305) 694-5004
[email protected]
- Ariel Alvarez Guerra
  Victim Advocate-Northside District
  Direct: 305-836-8601
  Email: [email protected]
- Tericka Hamilton
  Victim Advocate-Northside District
  Direct: 305-694-5020
  Email: [email protected]
Intracoastal District
15665 Biscayne Blvd
Miami, Florida 33160
Main: (305) 940-9980
Fax: (305) 947-2839
[email protected]

Trenton Cobb
Victim Advocate-Intracoastal District
Direct: 305-787-1636
Email: [email protected]
Dating violence is the threat or act of violence by at least one member of an unmarried couple to the other member of an unmarried couple. This could be sexual assault, physical violence, verbal, mental or emotional abuse.

What do we mean when we talk about Dating Violence?

Dating abuse isn’t an argument every once in a while, or a bad mood after a bad day. Dating abuse (or Relationship Abuse) is a pattern of controlling behavior that someone uses against a girlfriend or boyfriend.

Abuse can cause injury and even death, but it doesn’t have to be physical. It can include verbal and emotional abuse – constant insults, isolation from family and friends, name calling, controlling what someone wears-and it can also include sexual abuse.

What are the early warning signs of dating violence?
- Get jealous or angry when you spend time with friends or family. Isolate you from friends or family
- Controlling behavior towards you
- Excessive alcohol and drug use
- Explosive anger, uses force and aggressive behavior during an argument
- Blames others for their problems, feelings or actions
- Cruel to animals or children
- Verbally and emotional abusive towards you
- Abused former partners
- Text or call you excessively and get upset when you don’t respond
- Monitor your phone, email or profile on a social networking site
- Feels they have a right to know where you are most or all of the time
- Monitors your clothes or style. Controls what you wear
- Push, slap, pinch, grab or punch you for any reason
- Restrain you from leaving during an argument
- Guilt or force you to have sex
- Pressure you to do things you don’t want to do
- Threatened to you or themselves if the relationship ends
Ending an abusive relationship

If you're thinking of ending your relationship, consider these safety tips:
- If you don't feel safe, don't break up in person. It may seem cruel to break up over the phone or by email, but these ways can provide you the distance needed to stay safe
- If you decide to break up in person, consider doing it in a public place. Take a cell phone or a friend with you if possible
- Don't try to explain your reasons for ending the relationship more than once. There is nothing you can say that will make your ex happy about the break up
- Let your friends or family member know you are ending your relationship, especially if you think your ex will come to your house or try to get you alone
- If your ex tries to come to your house, school or work when you're alone, don’t go to the door. Trust yourself. If you feel afraid, you probably have a good reason
- Ask for help. Contact your local Miami-Dade Sheriff's Office, speak to a parent or trusted adult, or contact a peer advocate at the National Dating Abuse Helpline: 1-866-331-9474 or visit www.loveisrespect.org for more information
When is over…

Just because an abusive relationship is over, doesn’t mean the risk of violence is over. Here are some tips to stay safe after ending your relationship:
- If you ex tries to come to your house when you’re alone, don’t answer the door
- Trust yourself. If you feel afraid, you probably have a good reason. Talk with a friend or family member about what you are going through they can provide support
- Talk to your boss or school counselor or therapist about what has been going on. Together you can alert security, adjust your work or school schedule. You may be able to come up with ways you can be safe
- Avoid isolated areas outside your home, work school or local hangout. Don’t walk home alone
- Stick with a friend at parties or events you think your ex-partner might attend
- Save any threatening or harassing messages, emails, or text your ex-partner sent. Set your profile all social media platforms to private
- If you ever feel you’re in danger, call 911
Resources/Social Services Available

National Teen Dating Abuse Hotline
1-866-331-9474
https://www.loveisrespect.org

Coordinated Victims Assistance Center
2400 S. Dixie Hwy Miami, Florida 33133
305-285-5900
https://www.miamidade.gov/global/service.page?Mduid_service=ser1502483183449106

Miami-Dade Clerk of Courts-Injunctions/restraining orders

• Lawson E. Thomas Courthouse Center
175 NW First Avenue Miami, Florida 33128

• South Dade Government Center
10710 SW 211th Street Cutler Bay, Florida 33189

• North Dade Justice Center
15555 Biscayne Boulevard, Suite #100 N. Miami Beach, Florida 33160

• Hialeah Court House
11 East 6th Street, Hialeah, Florida 33010

Miami-Dade County Clerk of the Courts - Restraining Orders

Dade Legal Aid of Greater Miami
23 NW 1st Avenue Miami, Florida 33128
305-579-5733
http://www.dadelegalaid.org

Survivor’s Pathway Counseling Center
1801 Coral Way Miami, Florida 33145
786-275-4364
https://survivorspathway.org

Trauma Resolution Counseling Center
4343 W Flagler St Coral Gables, FL 33134
305-374-9990
https://www.traumaresolutioncenter.net
Domestic Violence is a crime. No one, not even someone you live with, has the right to beat you or threaten you with violence. Knowing your legal rights and your options is the first step toward ending the abuse.

If you're being physically or sexually abused, threatened by a family or household member, or believe you are in danger of such abuse, get help.
- The law protects you if you're being abused or threatened by your spouse, former spouse, or another family member who is or was living in the same household as you
- The law protects you from abuse by a person with whom you have a child in common, whether you lived together or not
- You don't need to be married or related to the abuser to be protected under the law
If you're the victim of domestic violence, call us immediately. Also, you may ask the State Attorney to press charges by calling 305-547-0150.

You also have the right to go to court and file a petition requesting an Injunction for Protection from domestic violence which may include, but not be limited to:
- Provisions which restrain the abuser from further acts of abuse
- Directing the abuser to leave your household
- Preventing the abuser from entering your residence, school, business or place or employment
- Awarding you custody of a minor child or children
- Directing the abuser to pay support to you and any minor children if the abuser has a legal obligation to do so
Remember, if an individual has abused you physically or sexually, or if you have good reason to fear that this person is about to be violent toward you, the law in Florida enables you to get a judge to order the abuse to stop.
What is financial/fraud crimes?

Fraud and financial crimes are a form of theft/larceny that occurs when a person or entity takes money or property, or uses them in an illicit manner with the intent to gain a benefit from it. These crimes typically involve some form of deceit or the abuse of a position of trust which distinguishes them from common theft or robbery.

How can you prevent being victimized?
- Look for charges on your credit or debit cards that you do not recognize as your purchases
- Texts, calls or emails from individuals or companies you do not recognize
- Contact from strangers on your social media accounts, asking for money
- Calls, texts, or emails from companies, individuals or even local, State and Federal agencies asking you to pay a balance you owe them, using payment methods such as gift cards, bitcoin, cash or wire transfers
- Ask for help from a parent or trusted adult. Contact the nearest Miami-Dade Sheriff's Office District Station to you to file a report of the fraud incident as soon as possible
- Save all communications sent to the victim via text, email or social media. Set your profile on all social media platforms to private or only to your trusted friends
- Contact the credit bureaus to place a fraud alert on your credit
- Contact your credit card company and ask them to place a fraud alert on your accounts, and you can be notified by email or text
- Contact your banking institution(s) and ask them to place a fraud alert on your checking, savings, and debit card accounts, and you can be notified via text or email
- If you feel you are in danger call 911 immediately
If you are a victim, how can you get help?
- Check to ensure your safety
- Know that this is not your fault and that you are not alone
- Report the crime to law enforcement
- You can also help by gathering information and resources that can assist you
- Ask family or friends for assistance
- Contact your local victim advocate for assistance with resources
It is never the victim's fault. Fraud has nothing to do with what the victim should or should not have done to prevent the crime, it is entirely the fault of the subject(s). If you have been a victim of a scam or fraud, it is important to remember that it was not your fault and you are not alone. Scams or fraud can happen to anyone at any time, regardless of their age or background. Elderly people face difficulties and obstacles in dealing with scams and fraud that other people do not, including a harder time reaching out for help and healing emotionally. Many elderly citizens are victimized by the very people they depend on for their emotional well-being. Scams and fraud can cause emotional injuries, on a victim’s psyche. It can include feelings of depression and isolation, especially on elderly citizens.

What are the social services available?

Do not become a victim of fraud. Protect your hard-earned money by gaining a basic understanding of how scammers work and the common tactics they use. Learning how to invest safely can also assist you in reaching your financial goals and avoid becoming a victim. Review the following scams to learn what to look out for and how to avoid falling prey to scammers.
- Contact the Florida Department of Financial Services by reaching out to their division of consumer services toll-free helpline at, 1-877-693-5236 or you can also reach out to them via email
- Visit the Attorney General of Florida’s Consumer Protection webpage to find useful tools and tips to help protect yourself from consumer fraud
- File a report with the Federal Trade Commission
For further assistance or questions, please contact the MDSO Economic Crimes Bureau-Victim Advocate at 305-471-2752, they are available to all fraud victims. They can offer emotional support and assist the victim in obtaining all the needed services.
Hate crimes are defined as a committed or attempted act by any person or group against a person or the property of another person or group that in any way evidences prejudice or hatred toward the victim because of his/her personal characteristics, which include race, color, ancestry, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, homeless status, mental or physical disability, or people of advanced age.

If you are the victim of a hate crime the Miami-Dade Sheriff's Office and the Miami-Dade State Attorney's Office Hate Crimes Unit can assist and guide you through the judicial process.

Dial 911 for emergencies and (305) 4-POLICE for non-emergencies.
- Miami-Dade State Attorney’s Office Hate Crimes Unit
  786-687-2566.
Remember that you have just experienced a traumatic event; you need to be with others. Reach out to those whom you trust and care for you. Do not blame yourself. The assault is not your fault and you are in no way responsible. Give yourself permission to feel sad or angry and share your feelings with others. You're normal and are having normal reactions-don't label yourself crazy. Do not resort to drugs or alcohol to numb or relieve the pain. Help is out there. Just ask for it. Read More.
Should I tell the police?
That is a question only the victim can answer. It's a personal choice that you, the victim, must feel comfortable making. These FAQs may help you decide what is right for you.

What will happen if I do?
A specially trained detective from MDSO's Sexual Crimes Bureau will talk to you in confidence. They will guide you through the Criminal Justice System, while investigating your case.

What will the Police think of me?
We will not judge you. You will be treated with sensitivity and respect.

I can't remember what happened so how can I tell the Police?
If you are worried or anxious and think something has happened to you, tell us.

What is a Victim Advocate?
Victim Service Coordinators are available to all sexual assault victims. They offer emotional support during crisis and assist the rape survivor in obtaining needed services.

Will I have to go to court?
That will depend on the end result of your case. The detective and/or State Attorney's Office will advise you about court procedures and hearing information.

I don't want to go to the police. Is there somewhere else I can go for help?
If you decide not to call the police, call someone. The Rape Hotline will always offer support, even if you choose to remain anonymous. You can visit the Roxcy Bolton Rape Treatment Center at Jackson Memorial Hospital in confidence. They can provide you with medical treatment and ongoing support and advice.

If you're a victim, and you don't find answers on this page, please call the Rape Hotline.

Phone Number(s)

Miami-Dade County Coordinated Victims Assistance Center
305-285-5900305-285-5900
Domestic Violence Emergency Shelter Hotline
305-679-0303305-679-0303
Rape Hotline
305-585-RAPE (7273)305-585-RAPE (7273)
National Human Trafficking Hotline
1-888-373-78881-888-373-7888