California 'failing victims' of violent crime as financial support plummets
Analysis finds victims’ compensation program is awarding less money to fewer people, although budget has increased
TL;DR
- Victims of violent crime in California are finding it harder to receive state support, with the California Victim Compensation Board (CalVCB) awarding less money and denying more applications since 2019.
- Despite an increased budget for CalVCB, the amount distributed to victims has dropped by over 30%, reaching a five-year low in 2021.
- The number of denied applications has significantly increased, with denials rising from nearly 5,000 in 2019 to about 10,250 in 2024.
- Advocates point to restrictive program terms, such as requirements for cooperation with police and prohibitions on parole or probation status, as reasons many victims, particularly those in hard-hit communities, are disqualified.
- The decrease in compensation leaves victims with few options for immediate support, potentially leading to re-victimization and compounding harm due to a lack of funds for medical care or relocation.