Orange County

‘My office is well prepared to prosecute’: State Attorney’s Office ready to act against abusers amid coronavirus outbreak

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — The impact of the coronavirus pandemic could potentially reach cases being worked on in Orange and Osceola counties.

State Attorney Aramis Ayala held a press conference with groups that support victims of sexual or physical abuse on Tuesday.

Harbor House and Help Now of Osceola County said their hotline is up and they still have room remaining in their shelters.

Read: Coronavirus: How you can help during pandemic

The victim service center said it’s also providing in-person counselling to victims, however, groups said they are questioning victims to make sure they don’t have COVID-19 or flu-like symptoms.

Officials said that even as more people begin to isolate due to the pandemic, they want to remind victims they can still report cases of abuse.

“I want to say to those who perpetuate acts of violence especially during this time you will be held accountable,” said Ayala. “My office is well prepared to prosecute.”

Ayala said her office is currently working on a plan on how staffers will proceed if the outbreak becomes more severe.

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Christopher Boyce, WFTV.com

Christopher Boyce joined WFTV in January of 2019.

Cierra Putman

Cierra Putman, WFTV.com

Cierra Putman flew south to join Eyewitness News in July 2016.