Official Observance Ends, Services Continue

By Julie Nauman, VCGCB Executive Officer

As the state with the first and largest victim compensation program and national leader of victims’ rights and services, California once again honored victims, provided resources, and united communities in its commemoration of Crime Victims’ Rights Month.

Around the state, advocates and government agencies held events and distributed information and services available to victims of crime. I am proud of all our statewide partners, as well as our staff here at CalVCP on the incredible job they have done in bringing attention to this very important issue.

Here are just a few examples of the outstanding statewide efforts last month:

CalVCP Executive Officer Julie Nauman greets California Attorney General Kamala D. Harris at the Victims' Rights Rally

• Crime Survivors Awards Banquet, Orange County
• Victims’ Rights Symposium and Recognition Luncheon, LA County
• Candlelight Vigil and Resource Fair, Napa County
• Citizens of Courage Awards and Luncheon, San Diego County
• Victims’ Rights March and Rally, Orange County
• Outstanding Citizen Awards Ceremony, Sacramento County
• Justice Awards, San Francisco County
• Crime Victims’ Tribute, Yolo County
• Victims’ Rights Week March & Advocacy, San Joaquin County

I believe this year’s message, Facing New Challenges, Finding New Hope, was heard throughout California, and I’d like to share a few highlights with you. During the week of April 7, CalVCP Connection posted a series of guest blogs from crime victim experts and service providers (scroll down to read more). Later in the month we hosted our annual Victims’ Rights Rally and March in Sacramento with keynote speaker California Attorney General Kamala D. Harris. Lastly, we wrapped up the month with our first ever Victims’ Rights Digital Town Hall where Sacramento County District Attorney Jan Scully and El Dorado County District Attorney Vern Pierson moderated discussions on human trafficking, sexual assault, domestic violence, and victim resources.

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Julie Nauman is the Executive Officer for the Victim Compensation and Government Claims Board (VCGCB). VCGCB provides compensation for victims of violent crime and helps to resolve claims against the State.

A Day in the Life of an Advocate

By Patricia Wenskunas, Founder and CEO Crime Survivors

Orange County nonprofit
provides support and services
for survivors of crime

On April 4, 2002 I was the victim of a violent crime. Until that day, I had no idea the physical and emotional trauma crime victims face, nor did I understand how frustrating the criminal justice system could be for victims. While my body was healing inside and out, I learned that crime victims such as myself did not have a voice in the justice system.

A year after my victimization, I founded Crime Survivors, Inc., and for the last ten years I have been fighting to ensure that all crime victims have the resources and the right to survive and thrive!

A typical day for me involves talking to crime victims, offering them a friendly, caring ear as well as referrals to the help many of them are trying to locate. I also correspond to many emails, not only from victims, but from law enforcement personnel, attorneys, counselors, and friends and supporters of Crime Survivors.

I also attend briefings and trainings at law enforcement agencies throughout southern California, educating each of them on my survival and on the ways they can take care of the residents they encounter throughout their day. Over the years, law enforcement agencies in Los Angeles, San Diego, and Orange Counties have become extraordinary collaborators and partners in our mission. I frequently meet with sheriffs and police chiefs because I truly believe that we can all make a positive impact in someone’s survival. Many of these agencies distribute materials and resources made available to them by Crime Survivors.

While much of my day is spent out in the community, I also need to ensure that we continuously build our social media presence and stay current and relevant for those who follow us. Not only do we get amazing volunteers through Facebook, Twitter, our website and blog, but these are also great avenues for sharing information and resources and growing our base of dedicated donors and supporters.

Speaking of donors and supporters, we couldn't do any of this without them! This is why I work with my board of directors to raise funds and build contacts throughout southern California so that we can continuously build upon our mission and sustain long term success.

My survival would not have been possible without the law enforcement, medical, and criminal justice professionals that helped me. I was also blessed by the work of many non-profit organizations as well as organizations such as the California Victim Compensation Program. I am so thankful for all of their support because without them, I wouldn't be here to help others survive and thrive!

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Patricia Wenskunas is a survivor of attempted murder and childhood abuse, Founder and CEO of the nonprofit organization Crime Survivors, Inc., Founder and CEO of Orange County Crime Stoppers, a professional public speaker, victim advocate and motivational consultant.