Press Release
For Immediate Release: March 29, 2017
Contact: Janice Mackey, (916) 491-3821
janice.mackey@victims.ca.gov
@helpingvictims
Sacramento, CA — In honor of National Crime Victims’ Rights Week, observed April 2–8, the California Victim Compensation Board (CalVCB) is conducting several awareness activities to show unity and support for victims of violent crime.
This year’s national theme of “Strength, Resilience, Justice” is meaningful for many California crime victims who often face a complex battle both physically and mentally in the aftermath of violence.
The California Coalition Against Sexual Assault reports there are more than 2 million female rape survivors in California and research from the Center for Disease Control confirmed 44 murders occur each day in the United States. Crime Victims’ Rights Week provides a forum for crime survivors to share their stories of hope, survival and healing.
“CalVCB, along with victim service organizations all across the nation, continuously strive to provide victims with financial assistance and the direct services they need,” said CalVCB Executive Officer Julie Nauman. “The theme of this year’s observance illustrates California’s dedication to helping all victims and their families move forward with their lives.”
A resource page with access to materials, statewide activities from CalVCB county partners and other important information can be found on CalVCB’s Victims’ Rights Week page. Along with this, a social media campaign will commence in April to spread the word about CalVCB services to underserved populations.
Below are key awareness activities and dates in April:
April 1 — CalVCB kicks off a statewide denim clothing drive with participating county partners. The drive runs from April 1–26 and raises awareness about sexual assault. The progress of the collections will be promoted through social media.
April 3 — CalVCB releases its latest public service announcement in four languages: Tagalog, Hmong, Mandarin and Punjabi. Go to CalVCB’s YouTube page to view these and other videos.
April 4 — CalVCB partners with the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation and provides victim compensation education at an Information Faire at Fremont Park in Sacramento.
April 5 — The final installment of CalVCB “Then and Now: California’s Victim Service Revolution” series is available. The three-part-video installment highlights the evolution of victim services in California from the 1960s to the present. It can be viewed on the CalVCB videos page.
April 6 — CalVCB conducts outreach and provides information to crime victims at the annual Crime Victims United event at the Capitol.
April 26 — CalVCB speaks at Denim Day at the Capitol and provides social media outreach at the event.
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The California Victim Compensation Board (CalVCB) provides compensation for victims of violent crime who are injured or threatened with injury. Among the crimes covered are domestic violence, child abuse, sexual and physical assault, homicide, robbery, and vehicular manslaughter. Last fiscal year, the program received nearly 51,000 applications and provided over $52 million in compensation to crime victims.
If a person meets eligibility criteria, CalVCB will compensate many types of services when the costs are not covered by other sources. Eligible expenses include medical and dental care, mental health services, income loss, funeral expenses, rehabilitation and relocation. Funding for CalVCB comes from restitution fines and orders, penalty assessments levied on persons convicted of crimes, traffic offenses and federal funds.