CalVCB Commemorates
National Crime Victims’ Rights Week April 19-25, 2020
By Lynda Gledhill, Interim Executive Officer
By Lynda Gledhill, Interim Executive Officer
This April is one different from any other we have experienced. With California under a stay-at-home order, everyone is learning to deal with a different reality. This makes it even more important that we take the time to raise awareness for crime victims’ rights.
Each year we join a broad array of communities to recognize significant events such as National Crime Victims’ Rights Week and Denim Day. These observances serve to remind us of the role we all play, to assist victims in their journey to becoming survivors.
The California Victim Compensation Board and its dedicated team of professionals administer programs designed to provide reimbursement for many crime-related expenses. Eligible individuals include victims who suffer physical injury or the threat of physical injury as a direct result of a violent crime. CalVCB funding comes directly from restitution paid by criminal offenders through fines, orders, penalty assessments and federal funds.
As the interim Executive Director of CalVCB, I want to assure anyone who is in need of our services, and those in the community assisting victims, that we are working just as hard, albeit remotely, to review applications, process claims and compensate victims and providers who look to us for help. Our online resources make that process even easier to access.
Last year, CalVCB launched an online portal allowing individuals to apply for reimbursement directly from our website. Since then, more than 5,000 people have used this new feature.
Applicants and advocates are encouraged to access this online option whenever possible. Providers can also use the portal to upload and submit necessary documents.
As CalVCB transitioned to telework, continuing to help victims of
violent crimes was always the first priority. Our call center staff are all working
from home and while call volume has remained steady, wait times have dropped.
CalVCB
staff have processed 4,576 applications in the last four weeks, about 950
applications more than the month prior to the shelter from home order. Similarly,
payments made were comparable to payments for to the month prior to working
from home.
We know, however, that for some a stay at home order brings with
it additional challenges and possible victimization. That can be because
victims are forced to shelter in place with their abuser or additional
challenges created by being separated from family members or friends. That
is why it is important that our resources and services remain available and accessible
for everyone in the state who is impacted by crime.
This month concludes with the observance of Denim Day on April 29, a
day in which individuals wear denim to support
survivors and educate themselves and others about all forms of sexual violence.
We here at CalVCB will join the millions of supporters throughout the world and
wear denim as a sign of our solidarity.
As our lives continue to shift in this time
of uncertainty, be assured that CalVCB will be here to help.
For more
information: victims.ca.gov.
