TAMPA, Fla. — Thanks to victim advocates, the victims of crime and their families can find support and help while living through trauma.
What You Need To Know
- Lauren Julian lost her 31-year-old son, Frankie Pena, in a 2021 hit-and-run
- She said a victim advocate with the Hillsborough County State Attorney's has helped them during the grieving process
- Resources range from crisis centers and counselors to a variety of assistance programs
A grieving Bay area mother said she believes those programs are so important to access.
When Spectrum News visited Laura Julian, she and her family reflected on the life of her late son, Frankie Pena.
“He was always smiling," Julian said. “He was our super-glue. We figured out he was our super-glue when he left us.”
Pena was 31 when he was killed in a 2021 hit-and-run while riding his bicycle.
The family's memorial has grown over time as they move forward with help from a victim advocate.
“They have a voice and we’re here to help them with their voice," said Chris Jeffords, a victim advocate with the State Attorney's Office 13th Judicial District.
"We’re going to help them through the system," Jeffords said. "They’re not alone, we’re going to help them navigate the criminal justice system and provide them the resources that they need.”
Resources range from crisis centers and counselors to a variety of assistance programs. The Hillsborough County State Attorney's Office recently hosted a resource fair to help connect victims with these organizations.
“They’re there to help, they’re there to guide us in whatever support that we need, we’re not alone," Julian said. “Being a victim changes your life, how you view life, that life is so short.”