Each year, the California Victim Compensation Program (CalVCP) participates in the observance of California Crime Victims’ Rights Month, to show support for victims of crime, their families and survivors. The theme of this year’s month long observance, “Facing New Challenges; Finding New Hope,” is a great testament to CalVCP’s continuous efforts to respond to the needs of victims.
In commemoration of California Victim Rights Month, CalVCP has scheduled activities that will help educate victims about their rights and the many services offered to them throughout the state. CalVCP will be offering blogs written by some of California’s leaders in victims’ rights and services that offer information about many of the issues and obstacles that victims and survivors face.
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| Attendees of the 2012 Victims Rights Rally unite for crime victims' rights |
Once again, CalVCP will host its annual Victim Rights Rally on April 23 at our headquarters in Sacramento. I’m proud of this event as we bring together victims, survivors, advocates and government officials to help raise awareness of the services offered to victims. CalVCP will also be hosting its first ever “Victims' Rights Digital Town Hall” allowing victims, survivors, providers and advocates to participate from all around the state. The Digital Town Hall will be held on April 24 and 25 from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and will focus on human trafficking, sexual assault, domestic violence, physical assault, cultural barriers and valuable resources for victims and survivors.
As April is also National Sexual Assault Awareness Month, CalVCP will also conduct its annual Denim Day Denim Drive to collect denim clothing items for local charities while raising awareness to the issues surrounding sexual assault in California. The Denim Day Denim Drive will begin on April 2 and conclude on Denim Day, April 25. Collection bins can found in various locations around downtown Sacramento and are listed on our website at calvcp.ca.gov.
California Crime Victim Rights Month is not only designed to raise awareness but to also spark action. I ask everyone to take the time to learn and understand their rights and educate themselves about the services available to them in our Golden State.
