Press Release
For Immediate Release: May 31, 2016
Contact: Janice Mackey, (916) 491-3821
Email: janice.mackey@vcgcb.ca.gov
Twitter: @helpingvictims
Annual Drive Collects Nearly 1,000 Clothing Items to Help Crime Victims
Sacramento, CA — The California Victim Compensation Program (CalVCP) today announced the results of its month-long denim clothing drive. The denim collected during the drive, assists crime survivors, while raising awareness and educating the public about the misconceptions of sexual assault.
Denim Day was first recognized in 1999 as part of an international protest of an Italian High Court’s decision to overturn a rape conviction. In the case, the justices ruled that because the 18-year-old victim was wearing tight jeans, she must have helped her attacker remove them, thus implying consent. Today, Denim Day is recognized in April around the country and observed by many victims’ rights groups.
This year, CalVCP expanded the clothing drive from the Sacramento area to various counties statewide in an effort to support victims across California. The denim clothing drive collected nearly 1,000 items, which will be donated to various organizations for fundraising efforts to support local programs or for use by victims.
“Many survivors of violent crime face an uphill battle to recovery and are often extremely traumatized,” said Julie Nauman, Victim Compensation Program and Government Claims Board Executive Officer. “Our annual denim drive allows community-based organizations to raise funds and provide resources to help those in need, while raising awareness about the realities of sexual assault.”
The following organizations participated in the drive alongside CalVCP:
- California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation
- Contra Costa County Victim Assistance Program
- El Dorado County District Attorney’s Office
- James Rowland Crime Victim Assistance Center, Fresno County Probation Department
- Merced Victim Witness Assistance Program
- Monterey County District Attorney’s Office
- Sacramento County District Attorney’s Office
- San Bernardino County District Attorney’s Office
- San Diego County District Attorney’s Office
- Santa Barbara County District Attorney’s Office
- North County Rape Crisis and Child Protection Center, Santa Barbara County
- Santa Barbara County District Attorney’s Office Sex Crimes and Human Trafficking Division
Nearly one-third of all CalVCP victim assistance applications involve domestic violence or sexual assault related crimes, which highlight the importance of partnering with community crisis centers. Since its inception, CalVCP has provided over $2.4 billion in financial assistance for victims of violent crime, mental health counseling, medical treatment, funeral and burial costs, emergency relocation and more.
For more information about the California Victim Compensation Program, visit the CalVCP Website.
The California Victim Compensation Program (CalVCP) 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 50,000 applications and provided over $51 million in compensation to crime victims.
If a person meets eligibility criteria, CalVCP 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 CalVCP comes from restitution fines and orders, penalty assessments levied on persons convicted of crimes and traffic offenses, and matching federal funds.
For more information about victims’ rights and services, visit the CalVCP Website.