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CalVCB Resources Available to Sexual Assault Victims 

April 30, 2026

In recognition of Sexual Assault Awareness Month, the California Victim Compensation Board is highlighting financial assistance of up to $70,000 available to sexual assault survivors, including military personnel and their families in San Diego. The program has special provisions for military victims who may not have immediately reported assaults to superior officers, accepting alternative documentation such as medical records or victim advocate reports. Applications are accessible in 18 languages and must be submitted within seven years of the crime, or by age 28 for victims who were 21 or younger when the assault occurred.

Who is affected

  • Sexual assault victims in California
  • Military members and their families stationed in San Diego
  • Victims of violent crime (both military and civilian)
  • Underserved populations accessing trauma recovery services
  • Families of crime victims
  • Victims aged 21 and younger (extended application timeline)

What action is being taken

  • CalVCB is offering up to $70,000 in financial compensation to eligible sexual assault victims
  • CalVCB is awarding grants to 20 Trauma Recovery Centers statewide
  • Trained advocates at the San Diego County Victim Assistance Program are helping victims apply
  • TRCs are providing trauma-informed services free of charge, including outreach, mental health services, and coordinated care

Why it matters

  • This program provides critical financial support to sexual assault victims who face significant unforeseen expenses related to their trauma, including medical bills, mental health treatment, income loss, and other costs. The special protections for military victims are particularly significant because they remove barriers that might prevent service members from seeking help when traditional military reporting channels feel unsafe or inaccessible. By not requiring immediate crime reports and accepting alternative forms of evidence, the program acknowledges the complex realities survivors face and makes compensation more accessible to those who need it most.

What's next

  • No explicit next steps stated in the article

Read full article from source: The San Diego Voice & Viewpoint