As we recognize and honor National Crime Victim Rights Week we are reminded of the impact violent crime has and of the victims it leaves behind.
Last year, nearly 175,000 violent crimes were reported in California. And with each crime, countless lives have been turned upside down. We often see much attention spent on the cause or significance of the crime itself or even on the offender and the why and how of the crime, but we must not neglect the victims these crimes leave behind.
In California, there are a variety of programs and services offered that victims of crimes may receive to help in their recovery. Services to help protect, guide, compensate and aid victims of crime are available. Since 1965, the California Victim Compensation Program (CalVCP) has been assisting victims of violent crime and to date, has helped thousands of victims and provided more than $2 billion in compensation for victims in the state.
Victims of violent crime endure significant trauma and the process to find help, whether it be for monetary, relocation or mental health assistance, should be as smooth as possible. At CalVCP, we are working diligently to make our program more accessible, more responsive and more efficient.
I am proud of the work that takes place here at the CalVCP and I am also proud of the many government partners such as the California Emergency Management Agency, the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation and the Department of Justice that help us provide aid to victims and their families.
A number of nonprofit groups have played key roles in protecting and assisting victims of crime and have helped make California a nation leader in providing victim services. Organizations such as the California Coalition Against Sexual Assault have helped thousands of sexual assault victims find assistance and find a voice against this horrific crime. There are a number of victim advocate groups throughout the state that have provided much needed services to California’s victims as well. Organizations like the Crime Victim Action Alliance and Crime Victims United of California are great examples of how nonprofit groups are helping to provide assistance to crime victims. I am proud to have them as partners in our daily outreach to victims of crime in California.
Although California continues to be a leader in all services for victims of crime, there is still much work to be done. Thanks to legislation such as Marcy’s Law, Amber’s Law and the Victims’ Bill of Rights, those who have suffered as a result of a violent crime, have the help available to assist them in all aspects of their victimization. At CalVCP, we will continue to work with our partners and sister State agencies to provide the help, compassion and services for California’s victims of violent crime.
For more information on National Crime Victim Rights Week or the California Victim Compensation Program visit us at www.calvcp.ca.gov.