LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – With a theme of “Strength, Resilience and Justice” Lake County Victim Advocates will join officials across the nation to mark the 37th annual National Crime Victims’ Rights Week April 2 to 8.

Thirty-seven years ago, President Ronald W. Reagan declared the first National Crime Victims’ Rights Week to focus more attention on crime victims and survivors and the professionals and volunteers who assist them.

“This year’s observance provides an opportunity to pay tribute to all who have been harmed by crime and to recommit our energies to ensure that victims are aware of their rights and the services available to help them,” said Crystal Martin, program administrator, Victim Witness Division of the Lake County District Attorney’s Office.

In Lake County the celebration will include a barbecue of gratitude for our law enforcement and community partners who help us inform and enforce victims’ rights every day.

“Our Victim Witness Assistance Center staff can help victims navigate through the criminal justice system and direct them to a variety of resources in the community. Advocates can also help victims apply for financial compensation through the Victim Compensation Program,” Martin said.

“This program can provide qualifying victims reimbursement for a wide range of crime related expenses such as medical/dental treatment, mental health counseling, funeral or burial expenses, home or vehicle modifications, job retraining, and lost income. Program costs are paid entirely by fines and penalties from offenders, not by taxpayers,” she added.

During 2016, Lake County received applications for help from more than 180 victims of violent crime and their family members and provided services to 700 victims in fiscal year 2015-16 including case status, resource referral, restraining orders and court accompaniment.

For information about crime victims’ rights and services in Lake County, please contact the Victim Witness Division of the Lake County District Attorney’s Office at 707-262-4282.