Florida Attorney General Launches Program for Young Crime Victims

ST. PETERSBURG -- Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody says she's starting a new program to help children and teens who become crime victims.

Moody kicked off the pilot for the Thrive program in St. Petersburg Friday. She says her office will partner with the Urban League in four Florida counties -- Broward, Pinellas, Duval and Leon -- to offer help with basic needs as well as advocacy, personal safety and if necessary, relocation.

Federal funding for victim advocates and crime victim services will help young Floridians affected by crimes such as assault, bullying, domestic violence and gang activity.

Moody says it's a matter of common sense to help these victims. As a former juvenile court judge in Tampa, she has seen young people with promising futures victimized over and over again and, in some instances, turn to crime themselves.

She cited studies that indicate that young people who, for example, witness domestic partner violence are three times more likely to engage in violent behavior themselves. Another study indicates a child who experiences physical or sexual abuse, or lives in a household with substance abuse, has a much higher risk of committing the same illegal act in adolescence or adulthood. “It is heart breaking any time a child is victimized by criminal behavior, especially if no one is there to help them along the road to recovery," Moody said.

Photo: Getty Images


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