Victim Advocacy
Jean Shuford, Victim Advocate
shufordj@unionsheriff.us
Jean is a certified Victim’s Services Practitioner through the Office of the Attorney General Florida Crime Prevention Training Institute, along with specialized training in the Legal Rights of Child Abuse Victims. She has 30 plus years as a public servant with experience gained within the Bradford County School System, Florida Department of Corrections and the Union County Clerk of Courts. She has also served as an advocate with the Florida Guardian Ad Litem Program in the 8th Judicial Circuit.
For many people being a victim or witness to a crime is their first experience with the criminal or juvenile justice system. The Victim’s Advocacy program was established to assist victims in understanding their rights and making them aware of services available to them.
The main role of the advocate is to intervene on behalf of the victim to assist the individual. There are many ways that this program can be facilitated through and can include pamphlets, phone calls, letters, and in person meetings. The role of the advocate is to provide information about the case, to give information and referrals and to assist in victim compensation.
Services provided to the victim include:
- Information regarding the judicial process and the rights of the victim through the process
- Information on the status of the case
- Providing information and referral to community resources
- Support and accompaniment through the criminal proceedings
- Assisting in filling out injunction for Protection
- Assistance in filing for crime victim compensation
All services provided are free. If you would like to know more about your rights as a victim please contact the Union County Sheriff's Office.
Victim's Rights Brochure
Please click here to Victim's Rights Brochure.
Violence Brochure
Please click here for Domestic, Dating, Repeat or Sexual Violence Brochure.