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 Services Monthly Training Webinar
CalVCB provides education and training on various topics.
Topic: How to Complete a CalVCB Application
Event Overview: This webinar will take you through each section and the fields required prior to submission.
When: Tuesday, December 10, 2024
Topic: Available Resources for Human Trafficking Victims and How to Apply
Event Overview: This overview webinar discusses the resources available for human trafficking victims, including eligibility, how to access benefits and services and what is required to receive compensation.
When: Tuesday, January 16, 2025
Topic: Available Resources for Human Trafficking Victims and How to Apply
Event Overview: This overview webinar discusses the resources available for human trafficking victims, including eligibility, how to access benefits and services and what is required to receive compensation.
When: Tuesday, January 21, 2025
Topic: How to Complete a CalVCB Application
Event Overview: This webinar discusses each section of the application, and the information required to process a victim’s eligibility and expenses.
When: Tuesday, February 18, 2025
Forms and Publications
For free, printed publications, email a completed Materials Request Form to PublicAffairs@victims.ca.gov.