Information for Victims and Witnesses of Crime State of California Office of Criminal Justice Planning The Program The California Victim/Witness Assistance Program is a statewide effort to provide support services to victims and witnesses of crime. Funded by penalty assessments, 44 centers serve 51 counties. Victim Services Crisis Intervention: Counseling, reassurance, and support to assist victims in coping with the emotional trauma following the crime. Emergency Assistance: Meeting immediate needs of victims by providing food, clothing, and lodging. Orientation to the Criminal Justice System: Explaining the system and providing information about cases. Property Return: Ensuring the prompt return of property used as evidence. Referral Counseling: Directing victims to community resources for assistance. Restitution Information: 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 Board of Control. Other Assistance and Services as Needed: Child care, creditor intervention, etc. Witness Services Orientation Pamphlet: Providing witnesses with a brochure describing what they can expect when they participate in the criminal justice system. Court System: Accompanying witnesses to court. Transportation: Arranging for transportation from and from court. Telephone Alert: Notifying witnesses when their appearance is required in court. Case Status/Disposition Information: Notifying witnesses of the status and final disposition of the case. Victim of Crime Compensation The Victims of Crime Compensation program, administered by the State Board of Control, was established to provide financial reimbursement to victims of crime who suffer unreimbursed financial losses due to physical/emotional injury as a direct result of a crime. It is funded through fines and penalties assessed by the courts and deposited in the Restitution Fund. How Much May Be Paid? The maximum the State Board of Control may approve for each victim can be up to a total of $46,000.00 depending on the date of the crime. The following losses can be claimed: Medical, mental health and funeral/burial expensed Loss of income or support Job retraining or rehabilitation services Who is Eligible To File A Claim? The victim. Persons dependent upon the victim for support. Family members or persons in close relationship who witness the crime or need treatment as a medical necessity for the successful treatment of the victim. Family members of an injured or murdered victim who sustain emotional injury. Persons who assume legal liability for funeral/burial or medical expenses, in the event of the death of the victim. If the victim is a minor, the application must be filed by a parent of guardian. How Can Someone File? Local victim/witness assistance programs work with the State Board of Control to assist victims in submitting the forms necessary to obtain reimbursement. The victim may also file on their own or through a private attorney, at no expense to the victim. Additional Information Offenders placed on probation may be ordered to pay restitution to the victim. Restitution may include the cost of stolen or damaged property and medical expenses. The victim may be able to sue the person who committed the crime. If the person who committed the crime is a minor, the victim may be able to sue the minor's parents. Parents or guardians may be liable for up to $10,000 for the willful misconduct of their child For information or assistance, check with your district attorney's office, the county probation department, or the local telephone directory for the number of the victim/witness assistance center nearest you. If you are unable to locate a center call the California Victim/Witness Assistance Program (916) 324-9100. California's Commitment The California Victim/Witness Assistance Program demonstrates the continuing commitment of Governor Pete Wilson and The California Pete Wilson and the California State Legislature to assist victims and witnesses of crime. This program is designed to help local agencies more effectively meet the needs of victims and witnesses. Both the individual and the community suffer when a person falls victim to crime. The victim suffers personal or financial loss, physical injury, or emotional trauma. The community loses a sense of security and trust. California's statewide program of assistance to crime victims and witnesses shows a commitment to help repair both kinds of damage. Victim witness assistance centers have been established to assist victims with their personal needs. They provide support to crime victims during the investigation and prosecution of the case. Through public education, the centers promote the cooperation of citizens and professionals to achieve just treatment for victims and prosecution of offenders. Courtesy of Office of Criminal Justice Planning 1130 K Street Sacramento, CA 95814 (916) 324-9100 For information on this program in your community, contact: ANAHEIM POLICE COMMUNITY SERVICES: (714) 765-1896 BUSINESS: (714) 765-1900 EMERGENCY: 911 POLICE - FIRE - PARAMEDICS 200 S. Anaheim Blvd. Anaheim, CA 92805 (714) 765-5162 FAX (714) 765-5164