CLEARWATER, FL. – The victim advocate for the Clearwater Police Department was honored Wednesday by Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody during a ceremony as part of National Crime Victims’ Rights Week.
Belinda Darcy, who has worked for the police department for nearly 10 years, was recognized with the Distinguished Victim Services Award. She was one of just three victim advocates statewide who were honored.
“Belinda is widely recognized as an advocate for victims of domestic violence and sexual assault,” said Police Chief Dan Slaughter. “Her duties include connecting victims to social services or victim compensation programs, helping them navigate the criminal justice system, guiding them through the injunction process, and ensuring our process takes into account the totality of the information available so victims can be protected from further acts of violence.”
Attorney General Ashley Moody said, “Victim advocates and law enforcement officers provide life-changing support and services to those in need. They help victims through their darkest hours and sacrifice so much time and energy to help people heal and recover. I am honored to present a few of these great public servants with our Distinguished Victim Services Award for their outstanding work over the past year.”
Since 1981, National Crime Victims’ Rights Week helps citizens and advocates reflect on commitments to serving victims of all crime. The Florida Constitution and Florida Crime Victims’ Bill of Rights give crime victims or lawful representatives, including the next of kin of homicide victims, granted rights.
These include the right to be informed, present and heard when relevant at all crucial stages of criminal proceedings, to be free from harassment, intimidation or abuse, and to have the safety of the victim and the victim’s family considered when setting bail or pretrial release conditions.
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