CalVCB Pledges to Reach All Victims During National Crime Victims’ Rights Week and Sexual Assault Awareness Month

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Press Release
For Immediate Release: April 5, 2018
Contact: Chris Van Horne, (916) 491-3730
chris.vanhorne@victims.ca.gov
@helpingvictims

Sacramento, CA — In recognition of National Crime Victims’ Rights Week (NCVRW), observed April 8–14, the California Victim Compensation Board (CalVCB) is raising awareness about victim resources and showing support for organizations that are dedicated to helping victims of violent crime.

“This year’s NCVRW theme of ‘Expand the Circle: Reach All Victims’ aligns perfectly with California’s commitment to improve access and quality of services to underserved victims,” said CalVCB Executive Officer Julie Nauman. “As the nation’s largest victim compensation program, CalVCB is leading the charge to be sure no victim is left behind.”

Last fiscal year CalVCB received nearly 52,000 applications in 17 different languages. Of those applications, 33% were for children, who received $12.4 million in help. Help is not just for healing physical injuries, but emotional ones too. Crime survivors seeking counseling remains the largest category of CalVCB assistance, at $18.9 million.

In an effort to further raise awareness about crime victims’ rights and support services, CalVCB will take part in several NCVRW and Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM) activities in the coming weeks. Those events, along with materials, social media posts and other resources may be found on CalVCB’s NCVRW webpage.

CalVCB has also created public service announcements (PSAs) for broadcast television and radio that can run during the NCVRW and SAAM observances. The radio PSAs can be downloaded from CalVCB’s NCVRW Resources page. View the video PSA and contact publicaffairs@victims.ca.gov to secure a copy.

Below are key dates in April:

April 1: As part of the SAAM observance, CalVCB will kick-off a statewide Denim Drive with participating county partners. The drive runs from April 1–30 and raises awareness about sexual assault. The progress of the collections will be promoted through social media.
April 9: CalVCB will host an information table for those attending the Crime Victims United of California’s annual March on the Capitol from 9 a.m. to noon.
April 9: The Yolo County District Attorney’s Annual Victim Tribute takes place at noon at the Woodland Opera House.
April 10: Crime Survivors for Safety and Justice will hold a “Survivors Speak” rally at the State Capitol. CalVCB staff will setup an information booth for attendees.
April 11: The Santa Cruz County Victim Witness Assistance Center will hold its 7th Annual March of Solidarity for victims at 6 p.m. at the Santa Cruz Court House.
April 12: The San Francisco District Attorney, Victim Services Division will hold a day long symposium on Meeting the Needs of Victims of Mass Casualty Crime at the Milton Marks Conference Center.
April 13: Nevada County District Attorney’s Victim Witness Assistance Program will hold a Candlelight Vigil for victims of crime in Nevada City’s Calanan Park at 5:30 p.m.
April 14: Stanislaus County District Attorney’s Office will hold its annual Victims’ Rights & Family Fair on the courthouse lawn in Modesto.
April 25: CalVCB will join CALCASA and other organizations in observing Denim Day to raise awareness about sexual assault. By wearing jeans on this day it serves as a symbol of protest against erroneous and destructive attitudes about sexual assault.

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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 52,000 applications and provided over $53 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.