Survivors of crime and family members of victims gathered Tuesday at the Capitol to join lawmakers and advocates in calling for expanded support for victims and public-safety changes.
A group called Crime Survivors for Safety and Justice is asking for such things as improvements in Florida’s probation system, making it easier for people with low-level misdemeanor records to get back to work and increased funding for trauma-recovery services for crime victims.
“We must ensure that every community that has been victimized by crime has access to trauma-recovery services, so more people have the tools needed to get their lives back on track after experiencing violence,” Sen. Shevrin Jones, D-Miami Gardens, said.
Supporters said they hope the proposals will break cycles of crime and make communities safer.
“We envision a Florida where past mistakes are not always burdens, but rather can be used as stepping stones toward success,” Rep. LaVon Bracy Davis, D-Ocoee, said.
