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Victims' Rights
Victims' Rights - Marsy's Law
On November 4, 2008, the People of the State of California approved Proposition 9, the Victims’ Bill of Rights Act of 2008: Marsy’s Law. This measure amended the California Constitution to provide additional rights to victims. This card contains specific sections of the Victims’ Bill of Rights and resources. Crime victims may obtain additional information regarding Marsy’s Law and local Victim Witness Assistance Center information by contacting the Victims of Crime Resource Center at 1-800-Victims or 1-800-842-8467.
A ‘victim’ is defined under the California Constitution as, “a person who suffers direct or threatened physical, psychological, or financial harm as a result of the commission or attempted commission of a crime or delinquent act. The term ‘victim’ also includes the person’s spouse, parents, children, siblings, or guardian, and includes a lawful representative of a crime victim who is deceased, a minor, or physically or psychologically incapacitated. The term “victim” does not include a person in custody for an offense, the accused, or a person whom the court finds would not act in the best interests of a minor victim.” (Cal. Const., art. I, § 28(e).)
Local Resources and Support Groups
Your local Victim Witness Assistance Center can provide advocacy and specific information on local resources, the Victim Compensation Program, and support groups. To obtain information on the Victim Witness Assistance Center nearest to you contact:
The following are some of the resources available to victims and their families. This is not an exhaustive list. The Attorney General offers these references for informational purposes only.
Help for victims* of:
For more information contact your local Victim Witness Assistance Center or:
On November 4, 2008, the People of the State of California approved Proposition 9, the Victims’ Bill of Rights Act of 2008: Marsy’s Law. This measure amended the California Constitution to provide additional rights to victims. This card contains specific sections of the Victims’ Bill of Rights and resources. Crime victims may obtain additional information regarding Marsy’s Law and local Victim Witness Assistance Center information by contacting the Victims of Crime Resource Center at 1-800-Victims or 1-800-842-8467.
A ‘victim’ is defined under the California Constitution as, “a person who suffers direct or threatened physical, psychological, or financial harm as a result of the commission or attempted commission of a crime or delinquent act. The term ‘victim’ also includes the person’s spouse, parents, children, siblings, or guardian, and includes a lawful representative of a crime victim who is deceased, a minor, or physically or psychologically incapacitated. The term “victim” does not include a person in custody for an offense, the accused, or a person whom the court finds would not act in the best interests of a minor victim.” (Cal. Const., art. I, § 28(e).)
Local Resources and Support Groups
Your local Victim Witness Assistance Center can provide advocacy and specific information on local resources, the Victim Compensation Program, and support groups. To obtain information on the Victim Witness Assistance Center nearest to you contact:
- Victims of Crime Resource Center
1-800-VICTIMS or 1-800-842-8467
The following are some of the resources available to victims and their families. This is not an exhaustive list. The Attorney General offers these references for informational purposes only.
- California Attorney General’s Victim Services Unit
1-877- 433-9069 - California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, Office of Victim and Survivor Rights and Services
1-877-256-OVSS (6877) - Rape, Abuse, Incest, National Network
1-800-656-HOPE
- California Partnership to End Domestic Violence
1-800-524-4765
- Center for Missing & Exploited Children
1-800-THE-LOST, 1-800-843-5678 - National Center for Victims of Crime
1-800-FYI-CALL, 1-800-394-2255 - National Domestic Violence Hotline
1-800-799-SAFE (7233)
Help for victims* of:
- Assault
- Drunk Driving
- Sexual Assault
- Child Abuse
- Homicide
- Vehicular Manslaughter
- Domestic Violence
- Robbery
- Human Trafficking
- Medical and dental bills
- Relocation
- Mental health counseling
- Crime scene cleanup
- Funeral costs
- Loss of income
For more information contact your local Victim Witness Assistance Center or:
- Victim Compensation and Government Claims Board
1-800-777-9229 - Victim Services Unit
1-877- 433-9069