Crime Victims' Rights Month: The Attention Belongs to Victims

According to the California Attorney General’s Office, over 440 violent crimes are reported in California each day. During April, CalVCP observes California Crime Victims’ Rights Month (CVRM) to honor, recognize, support, and advocate for survivors of violence.

In a time when much attention is placed on the criminal offenders, and even offender rights, it is imperative that we bring focus back to the victims who need it. This year’s CVRM theme, “Victims’ Rights, Victims’ First,” underscores the need to make victims’ rights a top priority.

Violent crime does not discriminate; it can affect anybody, in any community. During CVRM, our hope is not only to raise awareness, but to inspire action. We encourage everyone to take the time to learn about your rights and the services available to you and your loved ones.

CalVCP will honor victims and thank those who assist them throughout a number of activities during Crime Victims’ Rights Month. We encourage you to join and participate:

• County Observances — CalVCP will join county officials across the state to honor both victims and the advocates who help guide survivors through the justice process and direct them to critical resources.
• Podcasts — CalVCP will release a series of short interviews with courageous survivors who will share their experiences and describe their healing process.
• Victims’ Rights Digital Town Hall — CalVCP will host an online town hall discussion addressing a variety of topics, including how to reach the underserved through collaborative efforts.
• CVRM April 2014 Public Service Announcement — This video features California Attorney General Kamala D. Harris speaking to survivors, advocates, and community leaders on the important work being done to prevent crime, provide services to victims, and honor the lives of those lost to violent crimes.
• Blogs — CalVCP will post a number of guest blogs examining issues, personal stories, and helpful tools and services, written by respected leaders in the victims’ rights community.
• Denim Day — On Wednesday, April 23rd, CalVCP and millions across the nation will wear denim as a symbol of protest against erroneous and destructive attitudes about sexual assault.

For more information, visit CalVCP's California Crime Victims’ Rights Month website.

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The California Victim Compensation Program (CalVCP) provides compensation for victims of violent crime. CalVCP provides eligible victims with reimbursement for many crime-related expenses. CalVCP funding comes from restitution paid by criminal offenders through fines, orders, penalty assessments and federal matching funds.

Reaching Every Victim

By Julie Nauman, VCGCB Executive Officer

CalVCP's banner commemorates
Crime Victims' Rights Month in
California

Tending to the needs of victims of crime has always been a priority for the State of California. In fact, it was California that passed the first victim compensation program back in 1965. It was California that implemented the most stringent victims’ rights laws in 2008 and it is California that continues to raise the bar on victim’s needs as we call for more accountability of criminal offenders to pay their restitution and provide more rights for victims of sexual assault, human trafficking and domestic violence.

It is because of this strong commitment to victim services that we expand on the National observance of Crime Victims' Rights Week to make the entire month of April devoted to the needs of victims of crime and declare April to be California Crime Victims' Rights Month.

Each year, nearly 164,000 violent crimes occur in our state. The good news is crime has seen a decrease over the past decade, however, these violent acts continue to mount and with it, victims and survivors continue to need our help. Last year, the California Victim Compensation Program (CalVCP) received over 65,000 applications for services and was able to provide more than $98 million in services to victims. But there is so much more we can do for them.

During California Crime Victims' Rights Month, we are dedicated to creating more awareness of the senseless acts that occur in our Golden State and educating victims and survivors of crime to the resources available to them through state and local programs as well as through victim advocacy groups and non-profit assistance organizations. We are also committed to working with lawmakers to make the necessary changes to better protect residents and visitors by prevent criminal activity in the first place.

California Crime Victims' Rights Month is about honoring victims and respecting their rights. This month is about protecting victims from enduring any more than they already have and it is about empowering every victim. The California Victim Compensation Program is proud to be part of California Victims' Rights Month and to be a partner in protecting victims’ rights.

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Julie Nauman is the Executive Officer for the Victim Compensation and Government Claims Board (VCGCB), appointed in 2008. VCGCB provides compensation for victims of violent crime and helps to resolve claims against the State.