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Alameda launches victim services program; names Val Sengal as city victim advocate
Summary
Val Sengal, introduced as the City of Alameda’s new victim advocate in the City Attorney’s Office, announced the launch of a city victim services program to provide court accompaniment, crisis intervention, liaison services and help applying to the California Victim Compensation Program.
Val Sengal, introduced in the transcript as the City of Alameda’s new victim advocate in the City Attorney’s Office, said the city has launched a victim services program intended to help people affected by crime access support and resources. “I’m proud to introduce myself as the City of Alameda’s new victim advocate within the City Attorney’s Office,” Sengal said, adding, “we've officially launched the city's victim services program, created to ensure the victims of crime in our community have access to support, resources, and compassionate guidance during this difficult time.”
The program will provide several direct services, Sengal said. She described accompanying victims to court proceedings, interviews and related appointments; acting as a liaison among victims, law enforcement, attorneys and community agencies; and offering crisis intervention and emotional support. “I accompany victims to court proceedings, interviews, and related appointments,” she said, and added that she will serve as a liaison between victims and other actors involved in their cases.
Sengal also said the program will assist with safety planning, help victims apply to the California Victim Compensation Program and connect clients with trusted community-based partners. “I also assist with safety planning, help victims apply for [the] California victim compensation program, [and] connect clients with trusted community based partners,” she said.
Speaking of her qualifications, Sengal said she holds a bachelor of science in criminal justice and has spent 17 years working alongside survivors of violent crimes. “This work is deeply meaningful to me, and I'm committed to serving the community with care, respect, and compassion,” she said.
The remarks in the transcript are limited to the program’s launch and the services Sengal described; the transcript does not specify program funding, an official start date, staffing beyond Sengal, or formal referral workflows. Sengal identified the California Victim Compensation Program as a benefit victims can be helped to apply for; the transcript does not provide additional legal citations or administrative details about that program. The City Attorney’s Office is cited as her employing office.
