April is recognized as Sexual Assault Awareness Month, and the California Victim Compensation Board (CalVCB) is stepping up its efforts to assist sexual assault victims throughout the state. Each year, CalVCB provides crucial financial support to promote recovery and healing for survivors.

Eligible victims can receive compensation of up to $70,000 to cover a variety of crime-related expenses. This financial assistance can encompass reimbursement for mental health counseling, medical and dental expenses, lost income, relocation costs, and enhanced residential security. Importantly, the board mandates that victims first utilize other sources of funding, such as insurance, before accessing its resources.

“Sexual assault victims often face long-term emotional and financial challenges,” said Lynda Gledhill, Executive Officer of CalVCB. “We are here to help them obtain the mental health care and other support they require to recover and rebuild their lives.”

Notably, victims do not need to file a police report to qualify for compensation. CalVCB accepts alternative documentation, including medical records, mental health records, sexual assault examination reports, or letters from counselors or therapists.

Eligibility for assistance extends to California residents, visitors victimized in the state, and military members and their families stationed in California. Survivors have a seven-year window to apply for compensation, with individuals aged 21 or younger given the opportunity to apply until their 28th birthday.

Despite a decline in crime rates across California, the impact of violence continues to resonate throughout communities. To enhance accessibility, CalVCB offers application materials in 18 languages, and both English- and Spanish-speaking victims can conveniently apply online.

In Orange County, survivors can seek support from the Orange County Victim Witness Assistance Program for help with the application process. Additional details regarding available services and application procedures can be found on the CalVCB website at victims.ca.gov.

The California Victim Compensation Board is dedicated to assisting victims of violent crime in covering unforeseen expenses stemming from physical injury or the threat of physical injury. To learn more about the resources offered by CalVCB, visit victims.ca.gov.