Section 13897 Of Chapter 11. Victims’ Legal Resource Center From California Penal Code >> Title 6. >> Part 4. >> Chapter 11.
13897
. The Legislature finds and declares each of the following:
(a) The citizens of California have expressed great concern for
the plight of crime victims.
(b) It is in the best interest, not only of the victims and their
families, but also of all the citizens of California to ensure that
crime victims receive comprehensive assistance in overcoming the
effects of victimization.
(c) While many options and rights exist for the crime victim,
including providing financial assistance pursuant to Chapter 5
(commencing with Section 13959) of Part 4 of Division 3 of Title 2 of
the Government Code, participation in sentencing and parole
eligibility hearings of criminal perpetrators, civil litigation
against the perpetrator and third parties, assistance from
victim-witness programs, and private support and counseling services,
research indicates that many crime victims suffer needlessly because
they are not aware of these options and rights, or are apprehensive
or uncertain about where to go for assistance or how to exercise
their rights.
(d) It is thus necessary to provide a resource center, statewide
in scope, where victims of crime, their families, and providers of
services to victims of crime can receive referral information,
assistance, and legal guidance in order to deal effectively with the
needs of victims of crime and minimize the continuing victimization
process, which often results from a complex justice system. This
resource center shall be independent, offer victims assistance in
understanding and effectively exercising their legal rights, provide
information about their rights and the workings of the criminal
justice system, and direct them to appropriate local resources and
agencies which can offer further assistance. The resource center
shall provide, on a statewide basis, information assistance for all
crime victims without charge and shall complement the efforts of
various local programs, including victim-witness programs, rape
crisis units, domestic violence projects, and child abuse centers.