Clearwater Police Victim Advocate Honored By Florida Attorney General

CLEARWATER, FL — Clearwater Police Department victim advocate Belinda Darcy was honored Wednesday by Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody during the 2021 Distinguished Victim Services Awards ceremony for National Crime Victims' Rights Week.

Darcy, who has worked for the police department for nearly 10 years, received the Distinguished Victim Services Award, one of three victim advocates in Florida who were honored.

"Belinda is widely recognized as an advocate for victims of domestic violence and sexual assault," said Clearwater Police Chief Dan Slaughter. "Her duties include connecting victims to social services or victim compensation programs, helping them navigate the criminal justice system, guiding them through the injunction process, and ensuring our process takes into account the totality of the information available, so victims can be protected from further acts of violence."

Every year, Moody recognizes victim advocates and law enforcement officers who go above and beyond the call of duty to assist crime victims.

“Victim advocates and law enforcement officers provide life-changing support and services to those in need. They help victims through their darkest hours and sacrifice so much time and energy to help people heal and recover," Moody said. "I am honored to present a few of these great public servants with our Distinguished Victim Services Award for their outstanding work over the past year.”

In addition to Darcy, awards were presented to Debbie Geller of the Plantation Police Department and Hilda Sagastume of the Coral Springs Police Department.