FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Wednesday, October 1, 2008
Contact: Amanda Fulkerson, (916) 653.2654
Domestic Violence Awareness Month Highlights State Resources For Victims of Domestic Violence
SACRAMENTO – In recognition of Governor Schwarzenegger’s proclamation of October as California Domestic Violence Awareness Month, the state of California today highlights non-taxpayer funded resources to assist domestic violence victims with compensation for relocation, medical and mental-health expenses, as well as assistance to protect their personal information.
Last fiscal year, the Victims Compensation Program (VCP) paid approximately $81 million to victims of violent crime. Typically, one quarter of the approximately 50,000 applications received annually by the VCP are for claims related to domestic violence.
“Victims of domestic violence do not need to suffer in silence,” said Rosario Marin, Chair of the Victim Compensation and Government Claims Board – the board that oversees the program. “Not only does California stand ready to assist qualified victims, local government programs and community-based resources are also available to those in need.”
Victim compensation can help domestic violence victims overcome the economic barriers that often prevent them from escaping their home environments, such as the cost of relocation when forced to move for their personal safety or emotional well being.
Governor Schwarzenegger’s public safety record reflects a strong commitment to the protection and safety of crime victims. This year, the Governor signed a series of bills that increase protections for victim witnesses in sexual assault cases and improve the notification process for victims requesting a restraining order. This week, he signed legislation that expands eligibility for the Victim Compensation Program, protects the name changes of participants in the Safe at Home program from being published by the court in any public form, allows victims of domestic violence, sexual assault or stalking to provide 30 days notice to terminate a tenancy without penalty, and authorizes a crime victims’ memorial on the Capitol grounds.
In addition to assistance from state programs, victims can seek essential help from local agencies, nonprofit and community-based organizations. Victim-Witness Assistance Centers are located in every California county, and crime victim advocates at these centers can help guide victims and connect them with resources, such as applying for state relocation compensation or finding a domestic violence shelter.
Victims who have moved to escape an attacker or stalker can also enroll in the California Secretary of State’s Safe at Home Program to receive confidential mail forwarding, home-address records suppression, confidential voter registration and other assistance to keep their new home address confidential. Visit www.casafeathome.org or call 877-322-5227 for more information.
To find out more about the Victim Compensation Program, to access its publications, or to locate a local Victim Witness Assistance Center, visit www.victimcompensation.ca.gov or call 800-777-9229. An information sheet titled “Relocation, Housing and Shelter Resources for Victims of Domestic Violence and Other Violent Crimes” is available to download from the VCP website. This information sheet explains VCP relocation benefits, lists state and local resources, and provides safety tips for domestic violence victims.
Founded in 1965 as the nation’s first victim compensation program, the California VCP has paid nearly $1.8 billion to victims of crime since 1965.
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