THE MISSION OF THE CALIFORNIA CRIME VICTIMS ASSISTANCE ASSOCIATION
is to advocate for crime victims' rights and support Victim/Witness Assistance Programs which promote quality services for all crime victims and witnesses consistent with California Law.
STRATEGIC INITIATIVE
- Educate and Promote Awareness: Develop a comprehensive public education and awareness campaign to increase visibility of crime vicitms' needs with key stakeholders.
- Establish Sustainable Funding: Identify and develop stable funding sources to ensure the delivery of quality victim services by Victim/Witness programs.
- Build Strategic Alliances: Define and develop key partnerships to promote crime victims' rights and enhance services
The California Crime Victims Assistance Association (CCVAA), formerly known as California Victim and Witness Coordinating Council (CVWCC), was established in 1978 to reduce the trauma and insensitive treatment that victims and witnesses may experience in the wake of a crime, to inform victims and witnesses of their rights and obligations, and to provide comprehensive services to all victims and witnesses of crime in accordance with section 13835.1 of the California Penal Code. In 1982, the Council formally adopted by-laws and policy, and incorporated as a non-profit agency.
CCVAA has established the California Victim Services Training Institute (CVSTI), which provides a comprehensive centralized system of training and resources to support victim services statewide. The Council has a number of committees that encourage the participation of its members and furthers the goals of the organization in support of victims’ rights and services. These committees include crisis response, victim compensation, standards and training, and legislative. CCVAA members provide support and guidance to new program coordinators through a mentorship program. Members of CCVAA serve on the California District Attorneys Association's Victims’ Rights Committee.
CCVAA coordinates and conducts Victim Advocate, Senior Victim Advocate and Coordinator Certification training recognized as the professional standards for victim advocates in California. In addition, other specialized training is offered that enhances advocates skills and abilities when assisting victims and witnesses.
Membership in CCVAA is open to representatives of California Victim/Witness Assistance Centers providing comprehensive services to victims and witnesses of all types of crime pursuant to Chapter 4 of Article 2 of Title 6 of the California Penal Code’s, commencing with section 13835. Other members include coordinators of California based Federal Victim/Witness Programs.
The membership represents Victim/Witness Assistance Centers in all counties throughout the state from large urban to small and rural. Victim/Witness Assistance Centers are based mostly in District Attorney’s Offices, several in Probation Departments, a few in Community Based Agencies, and one Law Enforcement Agency. Many centers have multiple sites in their respective counties to more effectively serve victims and their families.