Victim Services Division
The San Diego County District Attorney's Victim Services Division works to reduce the trauma, frustration and inconvenience experienced by victims, witnesses, and family members affected by crime. We do this by providing a variety of services to victims of crime and their families, in addition to supporting victims and witnesses through the criminal justice process.
Last year, these services reached more than 13,894 victims of crime in San Diego County.
Led by Division Chief Cynthia Charlebois, the work done by staff in this division allows for faster and more complete recovery from the effects of crime. Some of the services provided by the division include:
- Crisis intervention
- Resource and Referrals
- Victims of Crime Claim Submission
- Court Support
- Restitution Assistance
The Victim Assistance Program provides comprehensive services to victims of all types of crimes, as mandated by Penal Code Section 13835 California and Federal, Victims of Crime Act (VOCA), Public Law 98-473. Mandatory and optional services are provided to crime victims even when a suspect has not been apprehended or prosecuted. This program is meant to reduce the trauma that victims may experience in the aftermath of a crime.
In 2013, Victim Advocates assisted 14,532 crime victims with 1,492 crisis interventions. They provided 13,545 resource and referrals, and case status support on 6,231 cases. Victim Advocates also assisted in filing 1,404 applications with the Victim Compensation Program and provided court escort and support to 880 victims.
The Joint Powers Claims Unit processed 1,288 claims from victims of violent crimes, and 3,102 bills from service providers. The unit also facilitated payment of $1.67 million to victims from the State Victim Compensation Fund.
The Criminal Restitution Recovery Unit helped obtain and complete 1,733 orders, assisted 389 victims, and obtained restitution fines totaling more than $1.2 million. The unit also helped secure restitution amounts totaling over $24.7 million.
Our senior probation officer provided assistance to victims and District Attorney's Office with 1,775 cases. As a result, more than $28 million in restitution was ordered paid to victims and $325,493 in restitution was distributed directly to victims in 2013.
Notable accomplishments in 2012 include:
The District Attorney played a pivotal role in providing $16,124.03 using the DA Victims Emergency Fund for immediate needs of 16 crime victims. The money helped provide food, medical, dental, housing, and personal items. Additionally, the program held its annual holiday drive for crime victims' families. Through staff coordination, 33 families, and 79 children were provided with gifts, cash, food, toys and clothing.
The District Attorney has coordinated a Court Dog Support Program. These support dogs provide emotional support for crime victims during testimony in a variety of crime types including domestic violence, child abuse, homicide and sexual assault. The dogs attended 40 jury trials, 57 preliminary hearings, and five victim interviews with law enforcement personnel.
The Victim Services Division received recognition by the San Diego County Board of Supervisors in honoring one of their dedicated volunteers as a volunteer of the year. The Board of Supervisors also recognized the handlers in the Court Dog Support Program.
