1. VICTIM-WITNESS ASSISTANCE PROGRAM
DISTRICT ATTORNEY
VICTIM-WITNESS ASSISTANCE PROGRAM
”Helping Victims Become Survivors”
(REV 09/21/2011 ar)
VICTIM-WITNESS ASSISTANCE PROGRAM sometimes referred to as one of the best kept secrets in L. A. County.
I think you’re going to learn a lot today about how we can help you with your cases and with victims
L.A. District Attorney’s Victim-Witness Assistance Program has evolved over past 26 years
This District Attorney gone out of his way to interact with victims groups, support victims’ needs
Shari Farmer, Field Deputy
Jackie Lacey
District Attorney

2. 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

3. VICTIM-WITNESS ASSISTANCE PROGRAM TWO DIVISIONS TO ASSIST VICTIMS
Direct Services
Advocates provide assistance to crime victims in courthouses and law enforcement stations throughout Los Angeles County
Claims Verification Unit
Victim Compensation Assistance
Two Primary ways we Assist Victims
staff of 30 in El Monte -
Process Applications for victim compensation -
Advocates in Victim Centers throughout the county
interact directly with prosecutors to help victims

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

5. 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

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

7. 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

8. OPTIONAL VICTIM SERVICES Penal Code § 13835.5
Creditor/Employer Intervention
Restitution Information & Referral
Notification Court Calendar Changes
Funeral Arrangement Assistance
Temporary Restraining Order Information
Witness Protection Assistance/Relocation
Optional services in Penal Code –
some are unfortunately more prevalent in LA other counties
Assistance with funerals and burials -
paid ___________
Emergency relocation for victims DV and SA Primarily.

9. Victims Eligible for Compensation
Direct Victim
Derivative Victims – family and household members, certain percipient witness to crime, primary caretaker of a victim.
Immigration status is not a factor
The Restitution Fund is regulated by the California Government Code
No handout today on the lengthy Government Code Sections on compensation, recently simplified
Basically family and members of the household
Victim advocates versed in these details and can help you.

10. When 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!!!

11. Eligibility 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
Only non-culpable victims expenses are paid.
Must cooperate in investigation & prosecution of crime
Cannot be on probation or parole – although their family members can receive limited compensation.

12. Compensation 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)
The Fund covers victims who were injured or threatened with injury and certain family members.

14. Presentations? District Attorney Victim-Witness Assistance Program
Administrative Office
3204 Rosemead Blvd., Ste. 200
El Monte, California 91731
Toll Free (800)
Shari Farmer
Field Deputy – Community Outreach Coordinator
Office: (626)
Cell: (213)
This is where you can contact me.
Our primary office is in the Criminal Justice Center across the street.
When you are assigned to an office that has an advocate from our program, it is best to work with the advocate.