April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month. The California Victim Compensation Board (CalVCB) offers up to $70,000 in financial help for sexual assault victims, including military members and their families stationed in San Diego.
Eligible sexual assault victims can qualify for:
- Mental health counseling
- Medical and dental care
- Relocation costs
- Lost income
- Home security
State law includes special protections for military sexual assault victims. A victim can still get compensation even if they didn't report the sexual assault to a superior officer right away. Other evidence, like medical records or a report to a military victim advocate, can support their claim.
Although crime rates in California are improving and are at historic lows in many areas, it has a lasting impact on all people and communities touched by it. For those who are victims of sexual assault, CalVCB does not require a crime report. However, both military and civilian victims must provide proof that the sexual assault took place.
CalVCB will also accept:
- Medical records documenting sexual assault injuries
- Mental health records
- A letter or written statement from a sexual assault counselor, therapist, or mental health counselor.
- Sexual assault exam documentation
- Restraining order against the perpetrator
- Child Protective Services report for victims under 18
Applications are available in 18 languages. Trained advocates at the San Diego County Victim Assistance Program can help victims apply.
Victims must apply within 7 years of the date of the crime or when they find out about the crime. Victims 21 and younger have until their 28th birthday to apply. CalVCB also awards grants to Trauma Recovery Centers (TRCs) statewide. TRCs are organizations that help victims of violent crime by providing trauma-informed services free of charge. Those services include outreach to underserved populations, mental health services, and coordinated care tailored to each victim’s needs. Currently, CalVCB has grant agreements with 20 TRCs across California, including One Safe Place—The North County Family Justice Center, Palomar Health Foundation, and Rady Children’s Hospital- San Diego.
Victims in San Diego County are encouraged to learn more about the help available and reach out for support.
CalVCB:
victims.ca.gov
800-777-9229
info@victims.ca.gov
San Diego County Victim Assistance Program:
619-531-4041
The California Victim Compensation Board (CalVCB) provides reimbursement for crime–related expenses to victims who suffer physical injury or the threat of physical injury as a result of violent crime. CalVCB helps crime victims and their families cover unforeseen expenses such as medical bills, mental health treatment, funeral and burial expenses, income loss and more. To learn more about CalVCB, visit victims.ca.gov.
