CalVCB outlines eligibility, benefits and application rules for sexual-assault victims

The California Victim Compensation Board told victim advocates during an April webinar that sexual-assault victims and certain family members may apply for financial help, that the program’s maximum award per application is $70,000, and that some benefits — including relocation and residential-security payments — have specific limits and documentation requirements.

The webinar, led by Kimberly Keyes of the California Victim Compensation Board and featuring Deputy Executive Officer Jennifer Rocco and longtime CalVCB analyst Marguerite Green, walked advocates through eligibility rules, acceptable crime documentation, covered benefits and how to apply and appeal. The board also flagged recent activity including approval of new Trauma Recovery Center grants that will begin this July.

CalVCB’s payment role and scope: The board described itself as a payer of last resort that reimburses victims for medical, counseling, relocation, residential security, income-loss and other costs related to qualifying crimes, including sexual assault. Marguerite Green, who has worked at CalVCB since 2007, said the program paid out “over 1,900,000 in compensation to sexual-assault victims” and approved 2,715 sexual-assault applications in the most recent fiscal year. The program’s maximum award is $70,000 per application; not all benefits sum to that cap.

Eligibility and deadlines: Presenters said eligible applicants include direct victims (those who sustained injury or threats of injury) and derivative victims such as immediate family members or witnesses…