Victim Witness Assistance Program Equal Justice For All From Hope to Reality HELP IS AVAILABLE . . . A crime can have severe after-effects on the victim. Weeks, months and sometimes years after the violation, the victim may still be experiencing, emotional, financial and legal problems. These problems may lead to feelings of helplessness, guilt, frustration and anger. The goal of the CSP Victim/Witness Assistance Program is to provide needed services for victims and witnesses and to encourage their cooperation in the investigation of the case and prosecution of the offender. The staff and trained volunteers provide direct assistance, information and referral services to over 50,000 victims and witnesses each year. Translation services for non-English speaking clients are available. Workshops on crime prevention and victim services are presented on request throughout Orange County by Victim Specialists. The Victim/Witness Assistance Program was established in 1978 and is funded by the state from penalty assessments collected from convicted offenders. Additional financial support is received from the community, and dedicated volunteers donate over 30,000 hours a year to help extend the services offered. For additional information, contact the Victim/Witness Assistance Program. Centers are located in each courthouse in Orange County. PROGRAM SERVICES Victim Services CRISIS INTERVENTION: Counseling, reassurance and support following the crime. EMERGENCY ASSISTANCE: Meeting immediate needs of victims such as food, clothing, shelter or medical care. ORIENTATION TO THE SYSTEM: Explaining the criminal justice system, including information about individual cases, and accompaniment to court. PROPERTY RETURN: Assisting in the prompt return of property used as evidence. REFFERAL COUNSELING: Directing victims to community resources which can be of further assistance. RESTITIUTION ASSISTANCE: Helping to obtain court-ordered restitution from convicted offenders. FILING VICTIM OF CRIME COMPENSATION CLAIMS: Assisting the victim in preparing and submitting application forms to receive compensation from the State Restitution Fund. TEMPORARY RESTRAINING ORDERS: Assisting victims of domestic violence to obtain court-ordered protection. SPECIALIZED VICTIM SERVICES: Assisting senior victims of crime and victims of sexual assault. OTHER ASSISTANCE AND SERVICES AS NEEDED. Witness Services TELEPHONE ALERT: Contacting witnesses when their appearance is required to avoid the necessity of their waiting at the courthouse. ORIENTATION PAMPHLET: Providing witnesses with a brochure describing what they can expect as they participate in the criminal justice system. COURT SUPPORT: Accompanying witnesses to court. EMERGENCY TRANSPROTATION: Arranging for transportation to and from court in the event of an emergency. CASE STATUS/DISPOSITION INFORMATION: Notifying witnesses as the case progresses of the status and final disposition of the case. VICTIM OF CRIME COMPENSATION Victims of crime may be eligible may be eligible for financial assistance through the California State Board of Control. Reimbursement limits are determined by law, and may partially or completely cover medical and hospital expensed, lost wages or support, funeral expenses, professional counseling, and job re-training or rehabilitation. The victim of a crime, a person dependent upon the victim for support or anyone who legally or voluntarily assumes responsibility for funeral or medical expensed may file a claim. For assistance in filing a claim, contact the Victim/Witness Assistance Center nearest you. PROGRAM LOCATIONS Superior Court Central County Municipal Court 700 Civic Center Drive West Post Office Box 1994 Santa Ana, CA 92702 (714) 834-4350 North County Municipal Court 1275 North Berkeley Ave. Fullerton, CA 92635 (714) 773-4575 South County Municipal Court 30143 Crown Valley Parkway Laguna Niguel, CA 92677 (714) 249-5037 West County Municipal Court 8141 13th Street Westminster, CA 92683 (714) 896-7188 Harbor Municipal Court 4601 Jamboree Blvd., Suite 103 Newport Beach, CA 92660 (949) 476-4855 Juvenile Court 341 The City Drive Orange, CA 92668 (714) 935-7074 Temporary Restraining Order Information Line (714) 973-0134 200 S. Anaheim Blvd. Anaheim, CA 92805 (714) 765-5162 FAX (714) 765-5164