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San Benito County Victim/Witness Assistance Center
419 Fourth Street, Hollister, CA 95023
About Us
A VICTIM'S BILL OF RIGHTS Victims have a right:
THE PROGRAM The California Victim/Witness Assistance Program is a statewide effort to provide support services to victims and witnesses of crime. Help for Crime Victims.... Crime victims may experience problems and disruptions that require special attention and support. The Victim Witness Assistance Program was created to assure that every possible benefit, service and courtesy is made available to crime victims and witnesses. Anyone May Be a Crime Victim.... With needs and problems that cannot be handled by agencies of the criminal justice system. Law enforcement, prosecution and the courts must turn their attention to the process of identifying, arresting, convicting and sentencing the offender. The victim may feel left out ...fearful ...confused ...angry. THE REMEDY To remedy this situation, the Victim Witness Assistance Center provides: Crisis Counseling... Program staff will access each victim's immediate needs. Staff may provide peer counseling, companionship and make referrals for other emergency assistance. Follow-Up Care... To identify and contact local agencies and resources that are needed. Staff may arrange appointments and assure that services are delivered without delay. Assistance in Court... Victims may need help in the procedures associated with bringing a defendant to justice. Trained and informed staff members will provide information about the criminal justice process, and may accompany victims to meetings with investigators, district attorneys and court hearings. Emergency transportation is available. Case progress and disposition reports will be provided upon request. Volunteers often work with staff to allow staff more time to provide direct services to victims/witnesses. Recovery of Loss... Victims of violent crimes may lose work or have unreimbursed medical expenses as a result of being victimiszed. These individuals may be compensated by the State of California. Although the application procedures are complex, staff is prepared to assist in filiing these claims with the State Board of Control. Staff may also assist victims with Impact Statements, which are used by probation officers and the judge to determine sentencing and restitution. A judge needs the victim's input when determining a fair sentence for a defendant. This often makes a difference in a judge's decision whether to give a prison sentence or probation. 
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