What Violent Crime Victims and Families Need to Know

If you are a surviving family member of a victim of a murder, there is help. While no one can even begin to imagine your pain, knowing that you are not alone is essential. There is a whole world waiting to support and guide you as you start to put the pieces of your life back together.

In the U.S., local law enforcement departments will provide you with a list of resources to help you. Victims may be able to receive help from the Victim’s Compensation Program, which is a program that has helped victims become whole again. Those who qualify will be awarded assistance through the victim compensation fund available in their state.

To summarize, violent crime may include the following:

• Assault with a deadly weapon

• Child sexual assault

• Child abuse

• Battery

• Homicide

• Hit and run

• Robbery

• Sexual assault

• Stalking

• Terrorism

• Domestic violence

• Human trafficking

• Driving under the influence

• Hate crimes

The funds awarded can be used to pay for your medical, dental, or mental health treatment. Victims could also get assistance with the income lost due to the murder.

Further, suppose you are left disabled because of the crime. In that case, you could get help with home or vehicle modifications to help you going forward. If your loved one was shot or killed in your home, office, or vehicle, you could get help with the crime scene cleanup. Additionally, you could get financial assistance to relocate if you feel unsafe because of the crime. On the contrary, if you plan to stay in your home, you could get help paying for home security.

To apply for victim’s compensation in California, visit the California Victim Compensation Program. You can also call the CalVCB at (800) 777-9229.

Residents outside California can visit the National Organization for Victim Assistance for a complete list of resources and numbers to help you during this very trying time.

Restitution and accountability

When an offender is convicted, courts may order restitution to help compensate victims and families for eligible losses. Restitution rules vary by state and case type, and collection can depend on the offender’s assets, income, and court supervision.

During the court process, the courts will request a Direct Order of Restitution which requires the serial killer to pay the victim restitution to help make the victim whole. Suppose you have suffered psychological harm because of the tragedy. In that case, the courts will require the offender to pay for mental health care. For more information about restitution, visit the California Department of Corrections & Rehabilitation Restitution.

Regaining stability after violent crime takes time, support, and practical help. Victims and surviving families should not have to navigate compensation, restitution, safety planning, and grief alone. Start with official victim-services offices and recognized advocacy organizations, and take the process one step at a time.

References:

CalVCB (2016) California Victim Compensation Board Retrieved June 10, 2019

from https://victims.ca.gov/victims/

California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (2022). Restitution Information

California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation. Retrieved October 21,

2022 from https://www.cdcr.ca.gov/victim-services/restitution/