On November 4, 2008, the People of the State of California approved Proposition 9, the Victims’ Bill of Rights Act of 2008: Marsy’s Law. This measure amended the California Constitution to provide additional rights to victims. This card contains specific sections of the Victims’ Bill of Rights and resources. Crime victims may obtain additional information regarding Marsy’s Law and local Victim Witness Assistance Center information by contacting the Victims of Crime Resource Center at 1 (800) Victims or 1 (800) 842-8467.

The local Orange County WJC Victim Assistance Office number is (714) 896-7171.

A ‘victim’ is defined under the California Constitution as, “a person who suffers direct or threatened physical, psychological, or financial harm as a result of the commission or attempted commission of a crime or delinquent act. The term ‘victim’ also includes the person’s spouse, parents, children, siblings, or guardian, and includes a lawful representative of a crime victim who is deceased, a minor, or physically or psychologically incapacitated. The term “victim” does not include a person in custody for an offense, the accused, or a person whom the court finds would not act in the best interests of a minor victim.” (Cal. Const., art. I, § 28(e).)

Local Resources & Support Groups

Your local Victim Witness Assistance Center can provide advocacy and specific information on local resources, the Victim Compensation Program, and support groups. To obtain information on the Victim Witness Assistance Center nearest to you contact:

Victims of Crime Resource Center

1 (800) VICTIMS or 1 (800) 842-8467.

California Statewide & National Resources

The following are some of the resources available to victims and their families. This is not an exhaustive list. The Attorney General offers these references for informational purposes only.

California Attorney General’s Victim Services Unit
1-877- 433-9069
www.oag.ca.gov/victimservices

California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, Office of Victim & Survivor Rights & Services
1-877-256-OVSS (6877)
www.cdcr.ca.gov/victim_services

Rape, Abuse, Incest, National Network
1 (800) 656-HOPE
www.rainn.org

California Partnership to End Domestic Violence
1 (800) 524-4765
www.cpedv.org

Center for Missing & Exploited Children
1 (800) THE-LOST (1-800-843-5678)
www.missingkids.com

National Center for Victims of Crime
1 (800) FYI-CALL (1-800-394-2255)
www.victimsofcrime.org

National Domestic Violence Hotline
1 (800) 799-SAFE (7233)
www.ndvh.org

Victim Compensation Program

Help for victims* of

• Assault
• Drunk Driving
• Sexual Assault
• Child Abuse
• Homicide
• Vehicular Manslaughter
• Domestic Violence
• Robbery
• Human Trafficking

What potentially can the Victim Compensation Program help pay for?

• Medical and dental bills
• Relocation
• Mental health counseling
• Crime scene cleanup
• Funeral costs
• Loss of income

For more information contact your local Victim Witness Assistance Center or Victim Compensation and Government Claims Board

1 (800) 777-9229
www.victimcompensation.ca.gov

*The definition of victim under the Victim Compensation Program may differ from the definition under the California Constitution.