What you need to know: Governor Gavin Newsom recognizes California’s resources and support for victims of crime during National Crime Victims’ Rights Week.

Sacramento, California - Showing support for survivors and victims of crime and highlighting the resources the state has provided for impacted families, Governor Gavin Newsom today recognized National Crime Victims’ Rights Week. Read the letter here.

Unfortunately, too many victims walk away from the legal system feeling unheard and unsupported. California is working to change that, by listening to and working with victims and survivors to find healing by helping them take back control of their lives and their recovery. - Governor Gavin Newsom

Since 2019, California has invested more than $1 billion to fund public safety efforts, including over $300 million for victim services. California has dedicated programs and initiatives to support crime victims, including ensuring they have access to rape crisis centers, domestic violence resources, trained victim advocacy professionals, safe housing, crime witnesses assistance, increased forensic science services, family legal services, among other resources.   

Last week, the Governor’s Office honored the staff of the Office of Victim and Survivor Rights and Services for their work at the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation to support crime victims through compassionate, trauma-informed practices. From collecting restitution to providing direct support during parole proceedings to restorative justice initiatives to community outreach, the department plays a key role in promoting accountability and honoring survivors.

Signing our values into law

Governor Newsom recently signed into law a number of bills that help build on California’s protections for victims and survivors of domestic abuse, creating additional resources and access to safeguard victims from abusers. These laws strengthen California’s restraining orders by removing barriers that could prevent someone from accessing these life-saving tools and by extending the length of time that abusers must stay away from their victims. They also help survivors rebuild their lives — by providing financial help through a victims’ restitution fund that would be funded by the penalties recovered from white-collar criminals. In addition, the 2024-25 budget included $103 million in one-time funding for victims’ services programs, helping make up a substantial gap in federal funding.

Supporting victim services

California has been a national leader in victim services since 1965, when the state established the first victim compensation program in the nation. Now known as the California Victims Compensation Board, victims who suffer physical injury or the threat of physical injury as a result of a violent crime can solicit reimbursement for crime-related expenses. Since its inception, the victim compensation program has provided more than $2.8 billion to assist victims of violent crime. In addition, the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services administers about $310 million in federal and state funds for 70 victims services programs this current fiscal year.