Victim Advocates
Victim Advocates assist claimants throughout the application process, including applying for compensation, accessing benefits and filing an appeal, if needed.
Different types of victim advocates:
- Victim Witness Assistance Center Advocates
Have access to crime information submitted with a CalVCB application; can also help with the criminal justice system. May be in a district attorney office, probation department or law enforcement agency. Penal Code 13835.2(a)(4) requires that a Victim Witness Assistance Center Advocate assist victims of crime in the preparation, verification, and presentation of their claims to CalVCB for restitution pursuant to program statutes.
- Community-Based Organization Victim Advocates
Have little or no interaction with the criminal justice system. May be part of a domestic violence program, sexual assault crisis center or an organization serving survivors of homicide victims or other crimes.
Advocates must complete and sign the Representative Request Form. The applicant must sign and date the CalVCB application signature page on or after the date the advocate signs the application.
Register for the Victim Advocate Monthly Training Webinar
Topic: CalVCB Overview and Required Documentation
Event Overview: CalVCB provides education and training on various topics. Please join us for this monthly overview webinar to learn more about eligibility, qualifying crimes, how to access benefits and services and what is required to receive compensation.
When: Tuesday, July 16, 2024
Time: 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Topic: How to Complete a CalVCB Application
Event Overview: Learn the difference between a victim, claimant and applicant and what information is important in streamlining the application process.
When: Tuesday, August 20, 2024
Time: 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Topic: CalVCB Overview and Required Documentation
Event Overview: Please join us for this monthly overview webinar to learn more about eligibility, qualifying crimes, how to access benefits and services and what is required to receive compensation.
When: Tuesday, September 17, 2024
Time: 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Forms and Publications
For free, printed publications, email a completed Materials Request Form to PublicAffairs@victims.ca.gov.
Contact
InfoAdvocate@victims.ca.gov
Note: This email address is for victim advocates only. Crime victims should use Info@victims.ca.gov
Helpline
800-777-9229
![Group of people sitting in a chairs.](https://victims.ca.gov/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/AdobeStock_138799491-scaled-e1619552014420-1024x466.jpeg)