California ‘failing victims’ of violent crime as financial support plummets

Analysis finds victims’ compensation program is awarding less money to fewer people, although budget has increased

Victims of violent crime in California are finding it increasingly hard to get support from the state, a new analysis has found, a development that has locked some of the most vulnerable people out of funds to help cover crime scene cleanup, relocation costs, funerals and therapy.

California established the nation’s first victims’ compensation program in 1965, aimed at helping victims of violent crimes and their families cover some of the costs sprung onto them by the violence.