Press Release
For Immediate Release: March 30, 2016
Contact: Janice Mackey, (916) 491-3821
Email: janice.mackey@vcgcb.ca.gov
Twitter: @helpingvictims
Sacramento, CA — The California Victim Compensation Program (CalVCP) is honoring crime victims in conjunction with the national week of remembrance with the release of a historical video series on victim services, numerous outreach activities, speaking engagements and a statewide denim collection drive.
National Crime Victims’ Rights Week (CVRW) annual observance from April 10-16 recognizes crime victims, survivors, supporters and advocates throughout the United States. The theme for this year is “Serving Victims, Building Trust, Restoring Hope.” More information can be found at the Office for Victims of Crime CVRW page.
“This annual observance provides an opportunity to share with the public benefits that CalVCP offers and the strides California has made to protect victim rights,” said Julie Nauman, Executive Officer, CalVCP. “California is a national role model in victim services and proud to be on the forefront with new legislation to better serve those in need.”
Below are the highlights of upcoming awareness activities for CVRW.
March 30 : CalVCP releases the first of a three-part video series detailing the past, present and future of victim services in California. The first installment will be released March 30 with second and third segments released throughout April. Interviews include victim advocates, stakeholders and VCGCB Board members. Watch part one on YouTube.
April 1 : CalVCP rolls out Denim Day clothing drive with county partners. Resource kits will be provided to assist with the clothing drive. Collections will be monitored and promoted through social media. On April 27, collected jeans can be distributed to each county’s community based organizations that help victims of violent crimes.
April 7: CalVCP joins Crime Victims United on the Capitol West Steps. The agenda includes a moment of silence and presentation at 10:30 a.m. CalVCP will be hosting a booth and providing information about victim compensation benefits.
April 11 and 12: CalVCP and the UC Davis Police Department co-sponsor “Leave No Victim Behind” conference. The topics will focus on victim services and building community relations with law enforcement. Speakers include CHP Commissioner Joseph Farrow, Yolo County District Attorney Jeff Reisig and UC Davis Police Chief Matthew Carmichael among others.
April 12: CalVCP hosts a booth at the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation information fair.
For more information about victims’ rights and services, visit the CalVCP website at CalVCP.ca.gov.
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.
If a person meets eligibility criteria, CalVCP will compensate many types of services when the costs are not covered by other sources. Eligible services 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.