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.

Parents of Murdered Children — National Day of Remembrance

By Julie Nauman, VCGCB Executive Officer

September 25th marked the National Day of Remembrance for Murder Victims, a day set aside each year to honor the lives of loved ones taken by violence. Once again, the local Sacramento Chapter of “Parents of Murdered Children” (POMC), in coordination with chapters around the nation, held a special ceremony to remember and pay honor to the sons, daughters and other family members that have been taken away all too soon.

I was privileged to be one of the selected speakers at this year’s POMC event on the north steps of the State Capitol. When I addressed the supporters and families, I conveyed that CalVCP is committed more than ever to helping parents recover from such tragedy. For many, the road to healing is long and arduous and now is a time when victims need our help the most, as well as our support. We understand that and provide mental health treatment, funeral and burial expenses, lost wages and much more for those who have no other means.

There were several other speakers on this day, including: Sean Laird, Sacramento Deputy District Attorney; Ahmale Dorsey, Victim Advocate; and Mindi Russell, Senior Chaplain, Sacramento Law Enforcement. All were on hand to share their thoughts and provide support to grieving parents and family members and be part of this community of victims and survivors.

Sadly, 38 percent of the victims that we help are under 18 years of age. And last year, 31 applications for assistance came to us from a parent or guardian who lost a child to violence. Every day, I see how important it is that we have this service for the thousands of families who have nowhere else to turn. We are continuing to work with our sister agencies to provide the necessary resources and care for these victims and their families. By doing this, we can ensure that Californians have somewhere to turn when the inconceivable happens.

As a united front, we shall always remember and honor all those who have become victims of murder and all those families who lost so much.