123
2016 Staffing
Division Chief1
Legal Support Manager1
Sr. Probation Officer Liaison1
Paralegal Supervisor1
Paralegals8
Victim Advocate Supervisors3
Victim Advocates17
Clerical Support4
Student Workers5
Volunteers4
Total45

The San Diego County District Attorney’s Victim Services Division strives to reduce the trauma, frustration, and the inconvenience experienced by victims, witnesses, and family members affected by crime. The division is led by Victim Services Director, Linda Pena. The division provides services to victims of crime and their families. In addition, it provides support to victims and witnesses throughout the criminal justice process.

The Victim Services Division helps victims recover more quickly and fully 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 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 goal of the program is to reduce the trauma that victims experience in the aftermath of a crime.

The San Diego District Attorney’s Victim Advocates are focused on providing assistance to victims of violent crimes. In 2016, they assisted 12,789 new crime victims. This assistance included 1,301 crisis interventions and 12,130 resources and referrals. In addition, they provided case status to 6,756 victims and court accompaniment to 1,015 victims. Victim Advocates also assisted in filing 869 applications with the Victim Compensation Board.

The Joint Powers Claims Unit processed 1,212 claims from victims of violent crimes and 2,792 bills from service providers. The unit also facilitated payment of nearly $1.4 million to victims from the California Victim Compensation Board Fund.

The Criminal Restitution Recovery Unit helped to obtain and complete 1,529 orders, assisted 5,928 victims, and obtained restitution fines of over $1.7 million. The unit also helped to secure restitution amounts totaling $2.2 million.

Our Senior Probation Officer Liaison provided assistance to 2,928 victims in 1,996 cases. As a result, approximately $851,000 in restitution was distributed directly to victims in 2016.

Notable accomplishments in 2016 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 $12,839 using the DA Emergency Relief Fund for immediate needs of 13 crime victims. This fund assisted victims with expenses for medical, dental, housing, food, and personal items.
  • The Program held its annual holiday drive for crime victims and their families. Through staff coordination, 10 families which included 16 adults and 24 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 Southwestern Police Academy.
  • The Victim Assistance Program continued to provide outreach and education by participating in community events such as the Annual Domestic Violence HOPE Event, Chicano Park Day, and National Night Out Event.
  • This year, our support dogs provided assistance for 106 crime victims including support during 25 jury trials, 34 preliminary hearings, and many victim interviews with Deputy District Attorneys and law enforcement personnel.