Sumter County Sheriff's Office

the victim advocate program has been in effect since november 7, 2005 providing crisis intervention and supportive measures to victims of crime. the majority of cases handled by the advocate involve sexual abuse, domestic violence, child abuse, homicide, or other serious injury cases. the victim advocate’s primary focus is that of the victim or the victim’s family’s emotional, physical, and financial needs. these needs are addressed by acting as a liaison for victims with law enforcement, the state attorney’s office, and the court. the advocate provides assistance with crime’s compensation, transportation, counseling, and shelter, injunctions for protection, loaner cellular phones, referrals, and informational brochures on victim related topics. melissa kunz is the current victim advocate for the sumter county sheriff's office and is on call 24 hours a day – 7 days a week. she has recently become a member of the death review team for children and participates in weekly staff meetings o