Crime Victims Assistance Program
Crime causes extraordinary trauma. Most victims suffer
some discomfort and stress as a result of even the smallest
kind of crime. Evidence suggests that elderly crime victims
experience a more severe reaction than younger populations.
Physical age-related changes have much to do with the elderly’s
vulnerability to psychological injury. Gerontologists have
suggested that the single most critical age-related difference
in physiology is a diminishing ability to respond to stress.
The stages of the crime-stress reaction are often more
severe in the elderly. The immediate reaction to crime
is shock and disbelief. In the aftermath of shock, normal
reactions include fear, anger, depression, and frustration.
These reactions reflect the sense of helplessness felt
by crime victims and the loss of self-control imposed by
the attack.
The elderly victim may have already been trying to deal
with a growing sense of dependence and helplessness. Older
persons may endure a state of “chronic losses.” These
losses include loss of job, status, death of family members
or friends, loss of physical mobility, reduced income,
health, and sometimes home. These feelings, along with
others, may be exacerbated as a result of a crime.
The Crime Victims Assistance Program of the District
Attorney’s Office recognizes the special needs of
senior crime victims. Specially trained victim advocates
provide a variety of services and assistance to our elderly
population. Some of these services are as follows:
- Crisis intervention.
- Resource and referrals to community agencies that
provide specialized assistance to senior citizens.
- Follow-up counseling for emotional, personal and financial
problems resulting from the crime.
- Emergency assistance in getting temporary shelter,
clothing, food, transportation and medical care.
- Help in filing for compensation through the State
Victims of Crime Program.
- Assisting and supporting you through all criminal
justice proceedings.
- Explain to you the criminal justice system.
- Accompany and support you through court appearances.
- Help you to get back property held by law enforcement
for evidence.
- Keep you updated on the case and its disposition.
- Notification services.
- Notification of friends and relatives for you.
- Transportation to and from the courthouse.
- Assist with restraining orders.
- Community presentation on crime prevention and elder
abuse to senior groups and organizations.
Consumer Protection Division
The District Attorney’s Consumer Protection Division
includes a specialized Consumer Mediation Unit that serves
Ventura County citizens by providing both consumers and
businesses with information regarding their rights and
obligations under the law and by helping to resolve disputes
that occur between consumers and businesses without litigation.
Consumer mediation: (805) 654-3110.
Temporary Restraining Orders
Court orders may be requested and granted which prohibit
or require certain actions and behavior by your abuser.
For example, a Temporary Restraining Order (TRO), obtained
through civil court, may prohibit your abuser from striking,
molesting or harassing you, coming into your house or bothering
you. With a TRO, a judge can also order the abuser to move
out of the house. (You can also ask for a “Stay-Away
Order” during criminal proceedings.)
A TRO, provided for under sections 540-549 of the
Code of Civil Procedure for the prevention of domestic
violence, may be available to anyone who has been living
with the attacker.
If you believe a TRO is necessary, you must apply to
the court as soon as possible after you have been harassed
or physically abused.
For more information and assistance, call the District
Attorney’s Crime Victims Assistance Program at (805) 654‑3622;
TTY (805) 677-8750.
Victim Compensation
If you have been a victim of a crime in which you have
suffered physical injury or threat of physical injury,
you may be entitled to financial reimbursement for the
losses you have experienced as a result of that crime under
the California Crime Victim Compensation Program.
Who is a victim ?
- Persons who are physically and/or emotionally injured
as a result of a crime.
- Anyone legally dependent upon an eligible crime victim
who sustains injury or death as a direct result of a
crime.
- Anyone present during the actual crime, and who is
a family member or has a close relationship to the victim,
as defined by law.
- Family members or those in close relation who must
receive treatment or be present during the treatment
of a victim, including parents and legal guardians.
- Members of the victim’s family who suffer emotional
injury as a result of the crime.
- Anyone who assumes legal obligation for funeral and
burial expenses of a victim.
What losses are covered ?
- Medical or medically-related expenses
- Mental health counseling expenses
- Loss of income or support
- Dental expenses
- Job retraining
- Funeral or burial expenses
The above list may only be covered by compensation if
the victim cannot be reimbursed by any other source, such
as Medi-Cal or insurance for the same loss. Examples of
other reimbursement are health insurance, sick leave pay,
etc. The current maximum that may be recovered by a primary
victim is $46,000.
Compensation is not available for loss or damage to any
kind of property except for eyeglasses, hearing aids, dentures,
or prosthetic devices.
What requirements must be met to apply for
assistance ?
- The crime must be reported to the police, sheriff,
highway patrol, or other appropriate law enforcement
agency.
- The victim must cooperate with the State Board of
Control in verifying the application, and with law enforcement
in the investigation and prosecution, if any, of one
or more persons charged with the crime.
- Written proof of losses and expenses, such as medical
and funeral bills, and income statements, must be provided.
When must the claim be filed ?
The application for assistance must be filed within one
year of the date of the crime unless good cause can be
shown.
If you believe you may be eligible
to receive compensation, please contact the Crime
Victims Assistance Program at
(805) 654-3622;
TTY (805) 677-8750
