What is the Victim Compensation Program?
The Victim Compensation Program (CalVCP) can help victims and family members of victims for crimes such as: domestic violence, child abuse, assault, sexual assault, molestation, homicide, robbery, drunk driving, vehicular manslaughter. In addition to being the victim of a qualifying violent crime, applicants must meet other criteria including: generally, they must report the crime to the police, sheriff, child protective services, or some other law enforcement agency; in most cases, they must apply to CalVCP within a year of the time the crime happened.
Many victims of crime may suffer physical, emotional, or financial harm due to the crime. Others may face retaliation, intimidation, or may be confused by the criminal justice system. Assistance is available from the Victim/Witness program staff. Trained and experienced advocates provide crisis counseling, orientation to the criminal justice system, community referrals, assistance with applying for victim compensation, a support group for family members of homicide victims, and many other services. Assistance and information is available in several different languages. Special assistance is available to victims of elder abuse and dependent adult abuse.
The Victim Compensation Program (CalVCP) can help pay unreimbursed expenses that result when a violent crime occurs. If applying after one year, they can inform CalVCP in writing why the application is late, and an extension of the time limit may be granted for certain reasons. In most cases, if the victim was under 18 when the crime happened, they have until the victim's 19th birthday to apply. If the specified crime involves sex with a minor, claims may be filed at any time prior to the victim's 28th birthday; applicants/victims must cooperate with law enforcement during the investigation and prosecution of the crime. Also, a victim cannot have participated in or been involved in committing the crime; applicants/victims must cooperate with CalVCP by providing the information needed to review the application.
For further information please contact: Victim/Witness Assistance Program, 901 G Street, Sacramento, CA 95814 (916) 875-5701. For online information visit: State of California Victim Compensation and Government Claims Board or call: 1-800-777-9229
