Shari Farmer, Field Shari Farmer, Field DeputyDeputy

””HelpingHelping VictimsVictims BecomeBecome

Survivors”Survivors”

VICTIM-WITNESS ASSISTANCEVICTIM-WITNESS ASSISTANCE PROGRAMPROGRAM

DISTRICT ATTORNEYDISTRICT ATTORNEY

Jackie LaceyJackie LaceyDistrict AttorneyDistrict Attorney

HISTORY OF CALIFORNIA VICTIM COMPENSATION PROGRAM

• Provides compensation for victims of a violent crime

• Funding comes from restitution paid by criminal offenders through fines, orders, penalty assessments and federal matching funds

• Started in California in 1977

• Claims Verification UnitVictim Compensation Assistance

• Direct Services Advocates provide assistance to crime victims in courthouses and law enforcement stations throughout Los Angeles County

VICTIM-WITNESS ASSISTANCE VICTIM-WITNESS ASSISTANCE PROGRAMPROGRAM

TWO DIVISIONS TO ASSIST VICTIMSTWO DIVISIONS TO ASSIST VICTIMS

““How can we assist a crime How can we assist a crime victim and their family?”victim and their family?”

What is Covered?

• Medical expenses• Mental health counseling• Relocation (up to $2,000)• Home Security (up to $1,000)• Loss of income• Loss of support• Funeral/burial costs (up to $5,000)• Crime scene clean-up• Home/vehicle retrofitting• Job retraining or similar employment

services

Emergency Assistance

Assist victim with immediate material needs such as:• Temporary Shelter• Food• Transportation• Clothing• Medical Care• Prescription Medicine• Eyeglasses• Dentures

Court Escort/Support

• Provide information and/or support to the victim or witness during court appearances

• Accompany the victim or witness to the courtroom and remain during their court appearance

OPTIONAL VICTIM SERVICESOPTIONAL VICTIM SERVICES Penal CodePenal Code § 13835.5§ 13835.5

• Creditor/Employer Intervention

• Restitution Information & Referral

• Notification Court Calendar Changes

• Funeral Arrangement Assistance

• Temporary Restraining Order Information

• Witness Protection Assistance/Relocation

• Direct VictimDirect Victim

• Derivative Victims – family and Derivative Victims – family and household members, certain household members, certain percipient witness to crime, percipient witness to crime, primary caretaker of a victim.primary caretaker of a victim.

• Immigration status is not a Immigration status is not a factor factor

Victims Eligible for CompensationVictims Eligible for Compensation

When to Apply for CompensationWhen to Apply for Compensation

• Victim must apply within three years from the date of the incident.

• A minor that witnesses domestic violence or is a victim of child abuse or sexual assault, has until their 28th birthday.

• APPLY AS EARLY AS POSSIBLE!!!

Eligibility CriteriaEligibility Criteria

• Victim must cooperate with law enforcement and prosecutors

• Victim cannot be on felony probation or parole

• Victim cannot have contributed to their own crime

Compensation CriteriaCompensation Criteria

• Crime caused physical injury or threat of injury

• Property loss not covered

• Victim Compensation Fund is payer of last resort(e.g. Victim must first use own medical insurance)

Presentations?

District AttorneyVictim-Witness Assistance Program

Administrative Office3204 Rosemead Blvd., Ste. 200

El Monte, California 91731

Toll Free (800) 380-3811

Shari Farmer Field Deputy – Community Outreach Coordinator

Office: (626) 927-2538Cell: (213) 700-2276

Email: sfarmer@da.lacounty.gov