History
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All people have hopes, plans, and dreams for their families, their jobs, and their lives. Many people see some, perhaps not all, of their dreams come true. Last year, some 31 million Americans victimized by crime saw part of their hopes, plans, and dreams altered. Victims and witnesses often experience trauma resulting from a crime, which can be increased by their involvement with the criminal justice process.
The victims movement has a rich history. In 1965, California implemented the Victims of Crime Program to allow victims to be reimbursed for losses suffered while recovering from the trauma of a violent crime. The first three local victim centers opened their doors in 1972. The concept of giving the crime victims a voice in the justice process was realized with the introduction of the first victim impact statement in 1976. In 1979 the Legislature established funding for rape crisis and victim/witness centers to provide support to victims. In 1982, Proposition 8, The Victims' Bill of Rights, became law in California. This legislation recognized the rights of victims in criminal justice proceedings and provided victims the right to speak at sentencing and parole hearings. We saw the passage of Proposition 115, known as the Crime Victims' Justice Reform Act in 1990. Proposition 115 benefited crime victims by reducing the number of times crime victims must testify, promoted speedy trials, increased sentences and punishment, and required reciprocal discovery of evidence.
There is a continuing concern that the victims and witnesses who are forced to become involved in the criminal justice system should be treated equally on the scales of justice with those individuals accused of committing the crime. Victims and witnesses often feel isolated and confused and do not know where to turn for practical advice or support. Furthermore, crime victims often need immediate help, food, clothing, or temporary housing. The Shasta County Crime Victims Assistance Center is a part of a nationwide network of victim/witness assistance centers providing services to victims and witnesses.