Hello Everyone,
Evelyn here,
Below is a news release from the Office of the Attorney General, Bill McCollum Attorney General for the State of Florida. This new release relates to signing of the “Victim Compensation Bill”, which would allow Floridians who are victims of violent crime while serving in our armed forces, vacationing, working, attending school out of the United States to be eligible for compensation under the Attorney General's Crime Victims Compensation Fund. This new law also provides for appropriate medical and emergency services.
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June 13, 2007
ATTORNEY GENERAL APPLAUDS SIGNING OF
VICTIM COMPENSATION BILL
~ New law offers increased support to victims of violent crimes ~
TALLAHASSEE, FL – Attorney General Bill McCollum today praised the
Governor for signing legislation that takes important steps to provide
resources to Floridians who fall victim to crime while traveling abroad.
Attorney General McCollum worked with bill sponsors to add language to the
legislation which would allow for Floridians who are victimized by a
violent crime while out of the United States to be eligible for
compensation under the Attorney General's Crime Victims Compensation Fund.
This benefit also includes appropriate medical and other emergency
services.
“This new law extends essential support to the citizens of our state
should they fall victim to a crime while traveling abroad,” said Attorney
General McCollum. “The leaders of our state recognized the need for this
level of assistance for those who are unable to obtain emergency services
while out of the country. It’s the right thing to do, and I commend the
Governor and Legislature for their leadership on this issue.”
Alisha Cohen, a Florida resident, worked with the Office of the
Attorney General and state legislators to champion the legislation in
memory of her father Robert C. Cohen, who was murdered in Costa Rica. Cohen
attended today's bill signing.
“Unfortunately, we know firsthand the struggle Florida crime victims
and their families have faced in the past and can say with assurance how
invaluable the provisions of this new law will be," said Cohen, who was
joined by her mother, Sue Cohen. "Today is not only a personal victory for
me and my family but also for the citizens of our state who will now
benefit from Florida’s commitment to victims of crime. I thank Attorney
General McCollum for his support.”
Additionally, the new legislation provides for a victim advocate to
be present – at a sexual offense victim’s request – during a forensic
medical exam. It also requires the court to order specified defendants to
undergo an HIV test within 48 hours after the victim requests such testing.
Current law allows the testing but does not have the 48-hour requirement.
The legislation now raises the amount avictim is paid by the Attorney
General's Crime Victims Compensation Fund for the forensic exam from $250
to $500.
“The provisions of this new law will make a world of difference for
victims of sexual violence,” said Jennifer Dritt, Executive Director of the
Florida Council Against Sexual Violence.
Attorney General McCollum commended bill sponsors Senator Mike Fasano
(R-New Port Richey) and Representative William Snyder (R-Stuart) for their
leadership on increasing the level of support offered to Floridians who
fall victim to violent crimes while traveling abroad.
“Florida victims of violent crimes deserve every measure of
assistance possible when facing some of the most difficult moments of their
lives,” Senator Fasano stated. “I am proud that the Florida Legislature
demonstrated their commitment to providing these extra provisions and I
commend the Governor for singing this bill into law.”
“This new law is an incredible asset in providing further protections
to victims of very serious crimes," said Rep. William Snyder. “As a former
law enforcement officer, I have personally witnessed the devastating
physical and emotional effects that violent crimes have on the lives of
victims and their families and I know just how important assistance is in
these times of great need."
More information about the Attorney Generals Division of Victim
Services and Criminal Justice Programs is available online at:
http://myfloridalegal.com/victims
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Evelyn out.
