123
2018 Staffing
Division Chief1
Legal Support Manager1
Probation Officer Liaison1
Paralegal Supervisor1
Paralegals8
Victim Advocate Supervisors3
Victim Advocates15
Clerical Support5
Student Workers5
Volunteers1
Total41

The San Diego County District Attorney’s Victim Services Division strives to reduce the trauma, frustration, and inconvenience experienced by victims, witnesses, and family members affected by crime. The division is led by Victim Services Director Linda Peña.

The Victim Assistance Program provides comprehensive services to all crime victims, as mandated by law. Mandatory and optional services are provided to crime victims even when a suspect has not been apprehended or prosecuted.

The Victim Services Division helps victims recover from the effects of crime. Some of the services provided by the division include:

  • Crisis intervention
  • Resource and referrals
  • Victim Compensation Board application assistance
  • Court support
  • Restitution assistance

Victim Advocates are focused on providing assistance to victims of violent crimes. In 2018, they assisted ­­13,315 new crime victims. This assistance included 1,567 crisis interventions and 13,718 resources and referrals. In addition, they provided case status to 7,291 victims and court accompaniment to 1,895 victims. Victim Advocates also assisted in filing 948 applications with the Victim Compensation Board.

The Joint Powers Claims Unit processed 1,649 claims from victims of violent crimes and 3,007 bills from victims and service providers. The unit facilitated payment of over $1.7 million from the California Victim Compensation Board.

The Criminal Restitution Recovery Unit helped to obtain and complete 1,572 orders, assisted 2,946 victims, and obtained restitution fines of over $1.4 million. The unit secured restitution for the State Victim Compensation Board in the amount of $565,169 and over $1.2 million in victim restitution.

The Probation Officer Liaison provided assistance to 612 victims in 232 cases. As a result, $451,971 in restitution was distributed directly to victims in 2018.

Notable accomplishments in 2018 included:

  • The Division participated in the National Crime Victims’ Rights Week by hosting a Citizens of Courage luncheon and a candlelight tribute at the San Diego Police Officer’s Association.
  • The District Attorney played a pivotal role in providing $39,598 using the DA Emergency Fund for immediate needs of 52 crime victims. This fund assisted victims with expenses for medical, dental, housing, food, and personal items.
  • The division held its annual holiday drive for crime victims and their families. Through staff coordination, 11 families (18 adults and 30 children) were provided with household goods, toys, clothing, and gift cards.
  • Victim Advocates provided training to new recruits at the San Diego Regional Law Enforcement Training Academy and the Southwestern College Police Academy.
  • The Victim Assistance Program continues to provide outreach and education by participating in community events such as the Annual Domestic Violence HOPE Rally. Human Trafficking Awareness Rally, Mariachi Festival, National Night Out, and the Strawberry Festival.
  • Court dogs provided support for 181 crime victims during 17 jury trials, 31 preliminary hearings, and many victim interviews with Deputy District Attorneys and law enforcement personnel.