By: Melissa Nelson, State Attorney
When a crime occurs, attention often shifts quickly to the criminal.
Who is he? What is his history? Who is his attorney? How much time is he facing?
The questions are many. Clear answers are few, especially in the chaotic early moments of a case.
But one question I believe must always be front and center is: What about the victim? The person who did not choose to be part of this story. The person whose life may be forever altered, not just today, but in the days, weeks, months, and years ahead.
For decades in our nation, victims were treated more like bystanders than participants in their own cases. Many had to navigate a complex and unfamiliar criminal justice system alone. Others felt their voices were not welcomed or were barely heard. Throughout my career as a prosecutor, I have listened to victims describe how powerless they felt at a time when they most needed support.
Thankfully, Florida took significant steps to change that. A constitutional amendment, known as Marsy’s Law, has helped ensure victims are notified, informed, and respected throughout a case. These protections matter. They reinforce a truth we must never forget: victims deserve a voice.
At the State Attorney’s Office, we have invested deeply in supporting victims through our dedicated team of victim specialists. They walk alongside victims from the earliest stages, offering guidance, resources, and compassion. Like the advocates at the Justice Coalition, they provide guidance, resources, and a direct connection to prosecutors, helping ensure that no victim feels alone as they face the unimaginable.
In recent years, we launched our Strength in Support initiative, a comprehensive effort to enhance how we care for and communicate with victims. One major component is our automated text notification system, which delivers real-time updates on hearing dates and case developments directly to victims’ phones. We are among the first offices in the nation to deploy this technology-driven approach. We also implemented a victim satisfaction survey to ensure we are continually improving our response and support.
Nearly every crime has a victim. And every victim is a person. Every person has a story: a unique perspective shaped by loss, trauma, or frustration. Their stories reveal the true impact of crime, providing context and humanity in courtrooms and conference rooms alike.
I often hear that for victims of profound loss, “closure” is not real. Justice, however, is. And for the more than 300 people who serve you and the State of Florida, our commitment remains unwavering:
Pursue Justice Always.
Melissa Nelson, State Attorney
Florida’s 4th Judicial Circuit
For more information about Marsy’s Law for Florida, visit fl.marsyslaw.us.
Read the complete November 2025 edition of the Victims’ Advocate (PDF)