People face many problems after becoming victims of crime. Studies have shown that victims and witnesses often experience trauma resulting from a crime, which can be increased by their involvement with the criminal justice process. They often feel isolated and confused, and do not know where to turn for practical advice or support. Further, crime victims often need immediate help: food, clothing, or temporary housing.

Victim/Witness Assistance

Agencies such as victim/witness assistance centers, sexual assault centers, child abuse treatment centers, and domestic violence shelters have been established throughout the state to help crime victims regain control over their lives. All California counties have victim/witness assistance centers to help crime victims. The level and type of services vary from community to community. Your local victim/witness assistance center can inform you of the specific services available in your community.

Supported by government and private funds, these programs may provide emergency and long-term support to victims and their families. For information on these programs and their locations, call the Victims of Crime Resource Center, toll-free, at 1-800-VICTIMS (1-800-842-8467).

Services Available

• Counseling services, such as:
• Crisis intervention;
• Resource and referral counseling to other agencies to obtain services not available from the center; and
• Follow-up counseling for emotional, personal, financial and employment problems resulting from the crime.
• Emergency assistance in obtaining temporary shelter, clothing, food, transportation, and medical care
• Help with filing for compensation through the state Victims of Crime Program, administered by the Victim Compensation and Government Claims Board
• Assistance and support through all criminal justice proceedings, such as:
• Assistance in understanding the criminal justice system;
• Assistance and support through court appearances;
• Help in obtaining property held as evidence by law enforcement; and
• Information, upon request, regarding the progress of the case and its disposition.
• Notification services, including:
• Notification of friends and relatives that you have been a victim of a crime, at your request; and
• Notification of, and intervention with, your employer, on your behalf, to minimize loss of pay and/or benefits because the crime caused loss of time from work.

In addition to these services, some centers may assist with child care, transportation, funeral arrangements, and creditor intervention, and may assist in obtaining direct restitution.

If your community has a sexual assault center or domestic violence shelter, other services may be available: 24-hour crisis telephone line; follow-up crisis and long-term counseling; accompaniment to and advocacy services for medical examinations, criminal justice proceedings, and other agencies as needed; and emergency safe homes or shelters. Contact your local victim/witness assistance center or the Victims of Crime Resource Center, toll free, at 1-800-842-8467, for a referral to the closest rape crisis or domestic violence center.





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