Monday, April 19, 2021

CalVCB Honors Victims During National Crime Victims’ Rights Week

The theme of this year’s National Crime Victims’ Rights Week (April 18-24) aligns perfectly with the mission of the California Victim Compensation Board: Support Victims. Build Trust. Engage Communities.

Since 1965, CalVCB has stayed committed to supporting victims. We understand trauma was not your choice, but support is your path forward, and we take our role in victims’ recovery to heart. Last fiscal year, more than 50,000 victims applied for financial assistance to help flee their abusers, seek mental health treatment and cover income loss due to a crime. 

Our job is so much more than approving claims and authorizing compensation. Victims and victim advocates turn to us for information and resources. We also help with questions about filling out applications, uploading documents and understanding the compensation available. 

Today, about half of applicants go to CalVCB’s website to use an online portal to file electronically.  CalVCB is working on expanding the portal to give greater access to victim advocates in all 58 counties. In August 2020, CalVCB began testing a new feature in four counties: San Joaquin, San Francisco, San Diego and Fresno. The idea is to simplify and expedite the application process. Advocates in those four counties can create an account, track the applications in which they are the representative, upload documents and bills, create an account and complete an application for a victim. The expanded CalVCB Online Advocate Portal is scheduled to roll out statewide later this year.

In addition to online applications, CalVCB continues to process paper applications submitted by mail. We offer applications in 14 languages and can assist victims to obtain an application in a different language than we have available.

For victims who do need help, CalVCB’s Customer Service hotline operates from 8 am-5 pm Monday-Friday and can be reached at 800-777-9229. You may also contact a county Victim Witness Assistance Center with questions or help filling out an application.