Governor Newsom Announces Statewide Initiatives and Funding for Crime Victim Support During National Crime Victims' Rights Week
Photo Credit: Office of Governor Gavin Newsom
SACRAMENTO, Calif., April 9, 2025 (CALIFORNIA NEWS TODAY) — The Office of Governor Gavin Newsom, has announced continued efforts to support crime victims and survivors in recognition of National Crime Victims' Rights Week.
California has invested over $1 billion in public safety since 2019, including more than $300 million specifically directed to victim services. These efforts include funding for rape crisis centers, domestic violence support, legal services, safe housing, crime witness assistance, forensic science services, and victim advocacy.
"Unfortunately, too many victims walk away from the legal system feeling unheard and unsupported. California is working to change that, by listening to and working with victims and survivors to find healing by helping them take back control of their lives and their recovery”, Governor Gavin Newsom stated.
The Governor's Office recently recognized the work of the Office of Victim and Survivor Rights and Services within the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation. This department supports victims through restitution collection, participation in parole proceedings, restorative justice programs, and community outreach using trauma-informed practices.
Recent legislative actions signed by Newsom include laws that enhance restraining order protections and extend their duration. These measures are intended to improve safety for domestic abuse survivors. The legislation also includes new funding to support survivors, including a victim restitution fund backed by financial penalties collected from white-collar crimes.
The fiscal year 2024-2025 state budget includes $103 million in one-time funding for victims’ services, aimed at addressing shortfalls in federal funding.
California established the first victim compensation program in the United States in 1965. Since then, the California Victim Compensation Board has distributed over $2.8 billion to individuals impacted by violent crimes. The California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services is currently administering approximately $310 million in funding for 70 victim services programs during the current fiscal year.
For more information, visit www.gov.ca.gov.
Source: Office of Governor Gavin Newsom
