Resources and Referrals

General Information

Crime victims are often forgotten by the criminal justice system.  They also frequently experience difficult financial, psychological and legal problems as a result of a crime.  California has a network of programs and resources available to help victims and their families cope with the effects of a crime. 

For immediate access to a comprehensive list of referrals, please click on the county for which you are searching in the list provided on the "Home" tab above to see VCRC referral agencies, organizations and other contacts for that county.

Primarily through its telephone service, VCRC staff provides resource and referral information to victims and their families, victim service providers and other victim advocates.  Callers receive information on such matters as victims’ compensation, victims’ rights in the justice system, restitution, civil suits, right to speak at sentencing and parole board hearings, as well as information on specific rights of victims of domestic violence, elder abuse, child abuse and abuse against the disabled.  For more information about these resources, contact 1-800-VICTIMS(842-8467). 

Victims’ Services Providers

In addition to providing information and referrals, the Center provides legal research on victims’ issues for service providers.

Provides Publications

The Center also distributes thousands of free informational brochures on victims’ rights, which are widely used by law enforcement and victims’ organizations throughout the state. 

Representation

In 2003, the Center established the Crime Victims Legal Clinic as a clinical program through the University of the Pacific McGeorge School of Law.  Through this clinic, certified law students under the supervision of an attorney represent crime victims in exercising their rights at each state of the criminal proceeding: pretrial, trial and post-trial.  The clinic seeks to protect and enforce victims’ rights to:

o   Information and notice of the criminal proceedings,

o   Be treated fairly and with respect,

o   Be present during criminal proceedings,

o   Be heard by the judge through a victim’s impact statement,

o   Seek protection from harassment or intimidation,

o   Privacy,

o   Prompt disposition of the case, and

o   Restitution for economic loss to the victim.