LAKE COUNTY – In the world of crime and punishment, many people focus on the people accused of crimes. Much less attention, however, is given to those whose lives are changed, and sometimes shattered, by the toll of crime.
This week – April 22-28 – is National Crime Victims' Rights Week.
Sam Laird, director of the Victim-Witness Division of the Lake County District Attorney’s Office, said it's a time for all Americans to learn about victimization, reflect on the cost of crime to our society, and promote laws, policies and programs to help victims of crime rebuild their lives.
The week’s theme, “Victims’ Rights: Every Victim, Every Time,” envisions a strengthened national commitment to the nearly 24 million Americans harmed by crime each year, Laird reported.
On Tuesday, the Board of Supervisors presented Laird and his staff with a proclamation recognizing this as Victims' Rights Week in Lake County, and commending them for their service to the county's crime victims.
Laird told the board that the current Victim-Witness team is the best the office has had in a decade, making creative use of their resources to serve local crime victims.
District Attorney Jon Hopkins also was on hand for the presentation.
Hopkins told the board that an important part of his office's mission to seek justice is accomplished through helping those who suffer from crime.
“We serve the victims,” said Hopkins.
The Victim-Witness Division, said Hopkins, serves an integral role in helping the District Attorney's Office achieve its mission, and he thanked Victim-Witness for the part they play.
During the past three decades, the United States has made dramatic progress in securing rights, protections and services for victims of crime, Laird reported. Every state has enacted victims’ rights laws, law enforcement agencies give victims greater protection and more than 10,000 victim assistance programs have been established throughout the country.
In addition, Laird said every state has a crime victim compensation fund, and powerful federal laws, such as the Violence Against Women Act and the Crime Victims’ Rights Act, to help protect victims and fund needed services.
Lake County's Victim-Witness Division has already helped approximately 800 new victims for fiscal year 2006-07, said Laird. Of those, 301 were assisted with applications for compensation. So far this year, the California Victim Compensation Program has paid out $186,282 to people affected by crime in Lake County, he added.
“None of that money comes from taxpayers,” said Laird. “The money derives from penalty assessment funds (fines defendant’s pay) and unclaimed restitution.”
Laird explained the application process. “If someone has incurred costs as a result of a criminal action and they do not have insurance, the Victim Compensation Program will cover medical/dental bills, funeral burial expenses, mental health counseling, relocation and home security improvements.”
However, not all victims take advantage of the programs. Laird said only a fraction of victims report the crimes against them and participate in the criminal justice system.
Victims’ rights vary from state to state, he said, with not all protections enforced. Services are sometimes not available, or they may not meet the physical, financial, and psychological needs of victims or their families.
Particularly vulnerable populations – the elderly, persons with disabilities, ethnic and racial minorities, or residents of rural areas – may not receive the support they need to rebuild their lives, said Laird.
Laird and his team are working to change that, Hopkins said.
“Our Victim-Witness Division helps all victims of crime, but also has specialized advocates to assist in cases of domestic violence, elder/dependent adult abuse and child abuse,” said Hopkins. “Our division is much more active and creative in the ways they assist victims than many other offices throughout the state.”
For more information about the Victim-Witness Division, please call 262-4282.
E-mail Elizabeth Larson at
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