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.

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Register for the Victim Services Monthly Training Webinar

CalVCB provides education and training on various topics.

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