State Attorney Jeffrey L. Ashton announced his office will receive more than $1.4 million to strengthen the investigation and prosecution of cases involving domestic violence and human trafficking. State legislators approved the budget requests during the 2015-2016 session.
“Domestic violence and human trafficking are two issues that need to be wiped out in Central Florida,” State Attorney Ashton said. “We are grateful legislators saw how critical this funding is to prosecuting these cases. This is a huge win for survivors, victims and their families, who now have a stronger voice and opportunity for justice.”
A total of $539,044 was granted to fund two Assistant State Attorneys and seven Paralegal Specialists for DV cases. The money enhances an existing program for ASAs to attend domestic court in an effort to identify criminal misconduct, strengthen the injunction process and increase the safety for survivors of domestic violence.
For human trafficking, the SAO received $921,270. The funds will be used to provide two Assistant State Attorneys, two Investigators, two Victim Witness Counselors, two Legal Staffers and four Victim Specialists. This will allow the Metropolitan Bureau of Investigation to use a collaborative model to investigate sex and labor trafficking and increase public awareness. The MBI is the Ninth Judicial Circuit’s law enforcement consortium and operates under the State Attorney’s authority.
State Attorney Ashton thanked several community partners for their support. The CARE Center at Northland – A Church Distributed, the Child Advocacy Center, the Florida Abolitionist and Harbor House were all instrumental in providing letters of support and outreach to legislators about the need for additional funding. Senate President Andy Gardiner, Sen. David Simmons, Sen. Geraldine Thompson, Orange County Mayor Teresa Jacobs, Orlando Police Chief John Mina, OCSO Chief Deputy Nancy Brown and Osceola County Chief Deputy Dave Sklarek also attended the press event.
